Mary as Mother

Probably the most common way Mary is seen by the faithful is as a mother.  She is the mother of Christ, and (particularly in the Catholic Church) the mother of all God's children.  She is depicted with the infant Jesus quite often, and many mothers turn to her for prayer and comfort.

Since becoming pregnant, I've been thinking a lot about Mary's role as a mother.  Surely during her pregnancy she endured some of the things I've endured since December, and perhaps she and I have even shared some of the same worries and excitements.  As I'm raising my little java bean, perhaps some of the frustrations I'll have are frustrations she had as she raised Christ.  And perhaps my pride at my child(ren)'s accomplishments will be similar to Mary's pride at the accomplishments of her Son.

One of the things that strikes me the most about motherhood is how fiercely mothers love their children.

There are so many women who will do anything for their children, including die for them.  The bond that's created through pregnancy (and breastfeeding) is unmatched by any other relationship.  Mothers are connected to their children in a way I don't yet fully understand.  And with that connection comes a deep love I don't fully understand.

The reason I bring up this fierce love is to remind you that the Blessed Mother has that love for all of God's children.  She is the mother of us all, and as our mother, loves us the way every mother loves every child.  She would do anything for us, and wants nothing more than our health and happiness.

One of the things that's been difficult for me since I got married and moved to Orlando has been the physical distance between my mother and me.  I became very close with her in college, and moving away is something that is still (sometimes) just as hard as it was when Hubby and I drove away for our honeymoon.

However, knowing that the Blessed Mother is always with me, praying for me (just as my mom does), and hoping the best for me is comforting to me.  When I'm missing my mom, I know that the Blessed Mother is with me.

When Grandma and Grandpa P7 (my mother-in-law's parents) were visiting after Easter with my mother-in-law's aunt and uncle, they took an afternoon to visit the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, which is here in Orlando.  They brought me back a beautiful Mary medal to wear.  I'd been wearing one Hubby gave me, and I still love that one very much, but I've been wearing the new one since I got it.

When I see the necklace around my neck, or I feel it as I go about my day, it reminds me of the protection I have from the Blessed Mother, and that she's with me even when my mom isn't.  And lately, when I'm worried about something, I find myself reaching for my necklace to touch it, and I ask Mary to pray for me about whatever it is that's concerning me.  It always makes me feel better.

I can't speak for you, but I know I want my mom to pray for me.  Knowing that the Blessed Mother is also praying for me has gotten me through many, many worries already.

Mary as Comforter

When I got married and moved to Orlando, one of the most difficult things for me to do was say goodbye to my mother.  I'd never lived away from her for very long, and the when I did, we were at least in the same state.  This was a difficult change for me.

In the days, weeks, and months following the move, I called my mom as often as I could, but it wasn't the same.  I couldn't get a hug from her when I needed one, and we couldn't go shopping when we needed to get away.  And since I didn't really know anyone in Orlando (except my in-laws), I felt very alone.

However, during this time I also started learning more about the Blessed Mother and her role as Mother of God's children.  If she was my mother, too, then maybe I could find comfort from her, being away from my mom.

I began praying to the Blessed Mother more often, asking for guidance the way I'd ask my mom, or asking for comfort when I was feeling particularly lonely.  And I felt less alone when I did.

Don't get me wrong--there's nothing like getting a hug from your mom.  But it was also comforting to me to know that the Blessed Mother was there for me, too, praying for me, watching over me, and loving me.

It's so encouraging to me to know that Mother Mary, the mother of God, loves me as a daughter.  She wants what's best for me, and she prays for me.  Who better to advocate for us in prayer to the Lord than the Mother of Christ?

The Lord can be a powerful comfort in our lives, but sometimes, especially for women, it helps to have a woman to turn to.  Thankfully, Blessed Mother Mary provides just that.

Mother Mary, pray for us!

May isn't Just for Our Earthly Mothers

In the Catholic Church, May is a month devoted to Mary, the Blessed Mother of Christ, who is also the Mother of all the children of God.  She is a symbol of femininity and motherhood for the Church, and a great source of comfort and strength for people all over the world.

Many people take this opportunity to learn more about the Mother of God, renew their devotion to her, or resolve to pray the Rosary more often.  This month, I'll be highlighting information and answer common questions about the Blessed Mother, share stories of apparitions around the world, and explain the role of Mary both in the Church today, and the role of Mary in the life of Catholic women today.

I have been drawn to the Blessed Mother since even before my conversion to Catholicism, but I don't know lots and lots about her.  I'm hoping this month will also help answer questions I have, and help strengthen my devotion to the Mother of God.