Our mothers play a special part in our lives. They have carried us in their wombs and have given us life. It is not easy and many women lack familial support. My mother was fortunate to have the support of her parents, siblings, and my father. She suffered two miscarriages before becoming pregnant with me. During her labor of a day and a half, the doctor gave me a 70% chance of making it, and my mother 30%. She risked her life carrying me and each of my siblings. Caesarian delivery was not as safe 70 years ago as it is today. My mother had great love for me and my brothers and a strong desire to be a mom. She and my father are now intercessors for me and my brothers in heaven before the throne of God, and I pray often for their intercession. We need to talk with our moms, living and deceased. We need to thank them for the gift of life and the gift of love.

We need to be compassionate and supportive toward young mothers who may be facing parenthood unsupported spiritually or financially. The day-to-day of caring for themselves and an infant can be daunting to say the least. Secular society can see children as a right or as a burden, but we see them as the gift from God that they truly are.

We are beginning a new program in the Diocese of Biloxi called Walking with Moms in Need, which is a nationwide initiative launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Walking with Moms in Need is intended to help parishes “identify young expectant mothers and young mothers that have suddenly found themselves with an unplanned pregnancy” who may not have resources or the love and support they need to experience the “joy of motherhood” and be able to celebrate new life. We need to be compassionate and supportive. I have appointed Mrs. Margaret Miller, a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Parish in Ocean Springs, to lead Walking with Moms in Need in our Diocese.

Let us pray as we celebrate this Mother’s Day that all of our mothers, both living and deceased, and women who desire to be mothers, will be blessed. Let us celebrate their love for us with that love reflecting the love of Jesus Christ. Finally, let us ask Him in a very special way for the intercession of Mary – the Mother of God, the Mother of Jesus – to truly intercede for us and bless us and help us to grow as witnesses of her son, Jesus Christ.

To each mother: May God’s love surround you. May God’s love bless you.  May God’s love be with you.