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Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Mother as simply “a female parent.”
That’s a little underwhelming. Especially given the fact that we also use the term mother to indicate “something that is an extreme or ultimate example of its kind especially in terms of scale.”
Like motherlode.
Motherboard.
Mother ship.
You get the idea.
The definition also doesn’t seem worthy based on our feelings for our mothers and the role they play in our life. This famous poem sums it up nicely.
M-O-T-H-E-R
“M” is for the million things she gave me,
“O” means only that she’s growing old,
“T” is for the tears she shed to save me,
“H” is for her heart of purest gold;
“E” is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
“R” means right, and right she’ll always be,
Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER,”
A word that means the world to me.
~ Howard Johnson
Genuflect helps us honor our moms this Sunday on Mother’s Day. We begin with the origins of the celebration, the best gifts for mom (hint, some don’t cost any money), and how we’re all moms at heart. And don’t miss the quiz to find your Saintly mother to pray for intercession and who couldn’t use the help of the patron Saint of laundry! We’ve even got lots of resources for honoring our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary.
I wish all mothers, physical and spiritual, a very happy and blessed Mother’s Day. Here’s to you not just as a female parent, but as the extreme or ultimate example of love and sacrifice that you are!
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Christian Roots of Mother’s Day
Long before America began celebrating mothers in 1914, Christians from the UK and Ireland in the 16th century had a day they would return to their “Mother Church.” And so Mothering Sunday was born, complete with gifting of flowers.
Mothering Sunday: The Christian roots of Mother’s Day | Aleteia
Loving Your Mama
Self-proclaimed Mama’s boy Dillon Duke reminds us why mothers are so special. They are there with us at the very beginning. And through all the sacrifices, joys, and tears, there’s really one gift they want.
When Flowers Aren’t Enough: Loving Your Mama | LifeTeen
Making a Happy Mother’s Day
Dads, if you’ve got little ones at home, they’ll need your help to celebrate Mom. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to make Mom happy. Check out these 9 ideas for making sure your wife has a happy Mother’s Day.
9 Ways to Make Sure Your Wife Has a Happy Mother’s Day | Aleteia
Mother’s Day Prayers
There’s nothing more powerful than prayer. And for this Mother’s Day we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s for pregnant mothers, expectant mothers, new mothers, young mothers, or mature mothers, here are 9 prayers for mothers who need strength, hope, and inspiration.
Mother’s Day Prayers | BeliefNet
Being Spiritual Mothers
As Bobbi Rol puts it so eloquently, “You don’t need to be a mom to have a mom’s heart.” Being a spiritual mom is a powerful thing. Here’s how to foster our motherly hearts, regardless of our physical status as mothers.
We Are All Mothers in Some Way | Blessed is She
Mothers at Heart
“Women can be fulfilled in a myriad of vocations as long as they are free to develop this gift of being there for others by serving and loving. In other words, women need to ‘mother.’”
Are Women Basically Mothers at Heart? | Catholic Mom
For Grieving Mothers
Mother’s Day is a joyous time to celebrate our mothers. But for some, it can be a difficult reminder of loss. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate our mothers, but let’s also lift up our grieving motherly neighbors through the power of our prayers.
How to Widen Our Hearts on Mother’s Day | Vermont Catholic
Find Your Saintly Mother
We all need a little extra help sometimes, so we turn to Saints for intercession. Give this clever quiz a try to find a Saintly mother who can intercede for you based on your specific situation.
QUIZ: Mothers! Which Saintly Mother Should You Call On Today? Take the Quiz! | ChurchPOP
Patron Saint of Laundry
One chore that unites all mothers is that of laundry. Oh the drudgery! But did you know there’s a patron Saint of laundry? Next time you’re faced with that dirty pile of clothes, here’s who you can call on for help.
Patron Saint of Laundry? It’s True | Epic Pew
Honoring Our Blessed Mother Mary
This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget our Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here’s a look back at a Genuflect article from two years ago chock full of Marian resources.
This Week’s Top Resources For Honoring The Blessed Virgin Mary | Genuflect
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Digital Inspiration
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