Mother Mary has comforted the hearts of many throughout the ages. My mom loved to tell us stories about my grandmother, Catherine Carter Lawler and her love of Mary. Mom’s tone of voice rose at least two octaves whenever she shared that “grandma prayed to Mary and oh how she listened!” She interceded on her behalf and her prayers were always answered.
My Grandmother kept a small plastic statue of Mary by her bedside. This visual image was a powerful symbol of unconditional love, compassion and forgiveness. After my grandmother died, my mother placed that little icon of Mary at her bedside to help focus her prayerful intentions. Now I am the keeper of the statue. Mary is by my bedside and I treasure this meaningful keepsake as blessing.
This love for Mother Mary has been passed on through the generations worldwide. Some years ago, I discovered the “Rosary of Divine Union” as a contemplative form of prayer that offers great solace and peace. Fr. John Keating shared this insight,” A Mother sees flowers where others see stones. Mother embraces. Mother unifies. Today’s world is a world in need of Mother, and many people look and seek for birthing of a spiritual life, of Divinity within themselves. As Mary birthed Divinity within herself, she stands as Universal Mother—ready to assist all who come to her in birthing Christ within themselves.”
Mother’s Day is a tradition that celebrates and acknowledges the many faces of Love. We celebrate the richness that our diversity encompasses, the blessings of our unfolding journey and our universal connection within the frailty and resilience of the human heart.
We celebrate the joy of new life, accept the sadness in leave taking, while embracing the gifts revealed in Loving.
Blessing The Mothers
by Jan Richardson
Who are our
first sanctuary
Who fashion
a space of blessing
with their own being:
With the belly
the bone and
The blood
Or,
If not these,
then with the
durable heart
that offers itself
to break
and grow wide,
to gather itself
around another
as refuge,
as home.
Who lean into
the wonder and terror
of loving what
they can hold
but cannot contain.
Who remain
in some part of themselves
always awake,
a corner of consciousness
keeping perpetual vigil.
Who know
that the story
is what endures
is what binds us
is what runs deeper
even than blood
and so they spin them
in celebration
of what abides
and benediction
on what remains:
a simple gladness
that latches onto us
and graces us
on our way.
This reflection is offered in loving memory of Molly Chapman and all mothers & grandmothers who are no longer here on this earthly plane but who continue to offer a wellspring of love and guidance to help "ease our way".
Liz Sorensen Wessel
Mother Mary by ~liz
Journal of Sacred Work 
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