Dear Folks,

Happy Mother’s Day! This is a day of heartfelt gratitude to our mothers for the love and nurturing they have given us. Long before the secular world gave mothers their day, the Church celebrated May as a month dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God. What a beautiful unity of purpose—to honor our mothers, both heavenly and earthly!

I want to encourage you to take this month and pray the Rosary every day. Hear me out. Sometimes folks say, “I can’t do that, ” or “I don’t understand how to have devotion to her.”

Do you begin the Rosary by stating your intentions out loud? This is a concrete act of unloading what is in your heart and placing it in the hands of Our Lady. It’s especially powerful when families pray together. Yes, children may want to pray for lizards and dinosaurs—but let them! Everyone should know that we can unburden our hearts to our Mother.

And what will Our Lady give you in return? She will unburden her heart to you as well. She will share with you the mysteries of her life with Our Lord.  You will learn of her anxiety at losing Him in the temple; you will stand with her at the foot of the Cross; and you will share her joy when she’s crowned Queen of Heaven.

Next weekend, we will have our little May Crowning Ceremony at the beginning of all Masses. Everyone— especially children—are encouraged to bring forward a flower to be placed at the feet of the statue of Mary. To participate in the procession, simply bring a flower to Mass and gather in the vestibule before Mass begins. Children who made their First Holy Communion this year are also encouraged to wear their Communion clothes.

Writing this reminded me how I could always call my mom and ask her to pray for anything. It was a great relief to my soul to know that mom had my back. I did this recently for a parishioner who lost his wife suddenly and unexpectedly—I called my dad, who has borne the same sword of sorrow when mom passed away in his arms. Dad immediately set to praying for them.

Unload your hearts to Jesus and Mary. You will never be disappointed.

Once again, thanks to all moms. We love you.

Pax,

Father John Mosimann