GOD’S GIFT TO US—OUR MOTHER

                May is Mary’s month. May is a special time of prayer to the Blessed Mother of our Lord.

                Today is a special day set aside to honor our own mothers. It also is a special time of prayer for those who have looked after us and put up with us in our lifetime.

                During the Middle Ages, many people had to travel far from home to earn a living. They became servants where work was available, or they learned a trade from someone who was willing to teach them. These people were given a special holiday every year. It came on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, on Laetare (rejoice) Sunday.

                Laetare Sunday came to be known as Mothering Sunday. On this day people would go home to see their mothers. Many family reunions were held.

                The Mother’s Day we have in May was started in the early twentieth century by an American woman named Anna Jarvis. After her own mother died, she suggested that a memorial service be held in church to honor all mothers. Those who attended the service were asked to wear white carnations in memory of their mothers.

                On this day we remember our mothers and all they have done for us as well as remembering and praying for all who have been examples of a mother’s love to us.