Do you know the story of little Zoe Labouré? Born in 1806 in a tiny village in Eastern France, she was the ninth youngest of 11 living children. Zoe’s parents, Madeleine and Pierre, were devout Catholics who raised their children in the faith.
From the moment of Zoe’s birth, her mother sensed something special about her little girl. Zoe’s natural leanings toward a deep prayer life began as a very young child. Madeleine taught her all the domestic tasks she needed to know, and lovingly nurtured Zoe’s desire to live a holy life.
Friends and townspeople even noticed her astonishing maturity. They recall her being honest, pious, kind, and generous beyond her years.
When Zoe’s mother, Madeleine, passed away at the age of 42, the nine- year-old’s happiest childhood days came to a sudden and heartbreaking end.
Days after her mother’s funeral, Zoe took what was to be a life-changing step to help her heal her deeply wounded heart. Quietly making her way into her parents’ bedroom, she climbed up on a chair and carefully took hold of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that sat high upon a shelf.
A household servant watching from the door later said that Zoe wrapped her arms around the statue of Mary as if it was her most beloved possession, and exclaimed,
“Now, dear Blessed Mother, now you will be my mother!”
Zoe’s baptismal name was Catherine. She grew to be Saint Catherine Labouré -- a humble Daughter of Charity, favored with receiving the image of the Miraculous Medal from Our Blessed Mother in 1830.
As another Mother’s Day arrives, I hope the story of Zoe’s consolation in Mary’s motherly love will remind you to turn to Our Blessed Mother in every circumstance, especially when your heart is aching.
Of course, we know it’s not just children who grieve the loss of a mother. My mom, Norma, lived a long and wonderful life. Still, my six siblings and I deeply mourned her passing at age 91 in late 2019 – just four months after my father died. I was consoled knowing Our Blessed Mother would be waiting for my mom with open arms.
Those same loving arms are open to you and me, too. Mary promises to obtain the love of her Son Jesus and innumerable graces for all who ask.
Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to seek Mary’s intercession for someone special in your life by sending them one of these greeting cards. These beautiful sentiments promise your recipient a special remembrance in the Masses offered here at Our Lady’s National Shrine on Mother’s Day and throughout the month of May.
I also invite you to burn a Votive Light as a sign of your love.
Send me the names of loved ones to be remembered all throughout May. (If you are requesting Votive Lights, you can indicate this on the remembrance list.)
Finally, if you would like to receive more Mother's Day cards, you may call us at 1-800-264-MARY (6279) or request here. Any offering you include will help spread devotion to Our Lady and help draw more people closer to God.
Thank you for your prayers as well as the generosity you show to our spiritual family of AMM members. May Mary, who is a mother to us at every moment, continue to intercede for you and your loved ones.
Sincerely yours in our Lady,
Fr. Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director