Throughout my priesthood, I have always enjoyed studying the lives of the saints. I am fascinated by their birth stories, their mothers, their childhoods, their families, their home life – the elements that helped shape them, by the grace of God, into the light of Christ.
I have also loved getting to know the families in my spiritual care. The courageous and steadfast love between a husband and wife. The hearty laughter of siblings at play. The strength of mothers and the determination of fathers. The beauty of the entire family worshiping together in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The lives of mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, fathers and others are the lives of potential saints in the making. Their stories are no different than the stories of the canonized saints, except that these stories are still being written. What a beautiful reality!
Mother’s Day is almost here, and we all know the invaluable and irreplaceable role that moms play in the lives of their children. Boys and girls learn to love from their mothers, which is why our Lord Jesus gave his Mother Mary to be our Mother.
Our Blessed Mother not only wants to love us as her children, but she wants to open our hearts to receive his perfect love - the saving, merciful grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Mary promises to help you and your loved ones as you write your own stories to sainthood.
Celebrate the mothers in your life this year by obtaining for them the unconditional intercession of our heavenly Mother. Use the new Mother’s Day cards from our Lady’s Association to let them know they will be remembered in the Masses offered here at our Lady’s Shrine on Mother’s Day, May 10, and throughout the month of May.
Fill out this remembrance list to send me the names of your loved ones to be remembered. You can also request Votive Lights to burn for them.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal promised Saint Catherine Labouré that she would obtain God’s grace for all who seek her intercession.
May Mary, Jesus’ Mother and yours, intercede for you and your loved ones on Mother’s Day and always.
Sincerely yours in our Lady,
Fr. Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director