Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, and all those who provide motherly love and comfort to others on a regular basis. I remember writing this column last year and giving thanks for my own mom, who by the way, is still equally as awesome. As she advances in years, I am filled with gratitude that I still have her here, as I know so many have lost their mothers. For those spending their first Mother’s Day without their moms (most especially Fr. Tom, whose loss was very recent and Bishop Fernandes who lost his mom in October), my prayers are with you this weekend.
I also remember giving tribute to our Heavenly Mother, Mary and I can’t pass up the opportunity to speak of her with great joy and gratitude.
My mom has always had a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother. Growing up, I remember the beautiful wooden statue that sat on the back the piano in our living room. It had belonged to my grandmother. It wasn’t until I became a mother myself that I “got it”. “It” being the whole Marian devotion thing. Once my older kids entered the teen years, I practically threw myself at her feet, begging her to protect, pray and intercede for them in all of their endeavors. And my gosh has she delivered! I could sit for hours and talk about the countless signs she has given me that she’s got them under her mantle. I could talk about how much peace I experience, even in the midst of all the scary things out there threatening to take them under. The type which surpasses all understanding. This incredibly powerful, kind, sweet and loving mother is why I started Miles for Mary. It is why I write about her fifteen promises to those devoted to praying the rosary. It’s why I show up many Monday nights at 6:15, driving 50 minutes round trip to pray the rosary in community. I do these things because I love her and they make her happy and if she’s happy, Jesus is very happy. He loves His mother most! I want others to discover what an incredible mother and advocate we have in the Mother of God, also OUR Mother.
If you don’t really know or have devotion to Mary, start by going to her with all of your fears, stresses and anxieties just as you would your own mother. She will take them to her son and he will not refuse her requests. This Mother’s Day, may we deepen our love and appreciation for our own mothers, as well as for our perfect Heavenly Mother!
Come join Parish Health, in conjunction with Mary Garden Showers, as we host a baby shower for Michelle and her pre born daughter on May 21st from 1pm-3pm in Loyola Hall. At the February shower our guest of honor mom to be was overcome with emotion several times while opening her gifts. She could not believe the outpouring of love from those who did not know her. That was actually the love of Jesus, coming through our St. Ignatius Community. It was beautiful!. Let us partner with the Lord to bring his love to our community moms in need!
Our usual monthly physical therapy screenings with Matt Gingras will NOT take place this month. Matt’s one year old son, Luke, will be undergoing surgery in preparation for a potential kidney transplant. Please keep Luke, as well as Matt and his wife, Katie, in your prayers. Pray specifically that his surgery and recovery go well and also that they are able to find a living kidney donor match. The hope is that he can receive a kidney in August or September. Matt plans to return for the June screening, scheduled for June 25th from 9:30-noon in Loyola Hall.
Blood pressures will be taken after all Masses the weekend of May 27th and 28th. Come see our wonderful parish health nurses and let them check your BP!
May God bless you and keep you and your families safe!
Kate Rewwer
Parish Health Coordinator
