Many countries and churches the world over have embraced Mother’s Day as an annual celebration on the 2nd Sunday in May. This year, Mother’s Day falls on 14 May 2023 and we would like to lift all mothers in prayer during Mass as a sign of love and gratitude.

Mother’s Day celebration originated in the 19th Century, before the Civil War (1861), in the United States. It was initiated by Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia with a “Mother’s Day Work Club” to educate women about caring for their children. In 1868, she organised “Mothers’ Friendship Day” to promote reconciliation within families. In 1873, Julia Ward Howe campaigned a “Mother’s Peace Day” which urged all mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1905, Anna Jarvis (daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis) organised a Mother’s Day celebration to honour sacrifices made by mothers for their children.

 

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we honour our mothers - young and old - who have tirelessly raised and nurtured us with love and virtue. We may have many ways to celebrate this day with our mothers, to show them our gratitude and appreciation, and to spend quality time with them.

 

This month of May – a month for Mother Mary – as we gather to pray the Rosary as families or as a BEC, please remember to dedicate a decade to our own mothers, who have poured their maternal care and granted protection each time we turn to them. May our Spiritual Mother always pray for our mums to be healthy. We also pray for ourselves during this month of the Rosary - that we may grow in humility, simplicity, chastity, integrity, charity and virtue.

 

This year, we thank our Parish Youth who have come together to bake cupcakes - with the support and guidance of Ms Georgina and her baking team. The St Thomas Baking Team have never failed to make beautiful and delicious cakes, buns and cupcakes for the parish community. These homemade cupcakes come in a variety of tempting flavours - vanilla, chocolate, coffee and butter. Instead of giving florals, the Youth have decided to distribute cupcakes and bookmarks with composed prayers, during the weekend Masses. They took this initiative to show all mothers in our Parish how special they are - not only to their families, but also to our Parish community.

 

Loving God,

We thank you for every mother and we honour them always. 

Bless our mothers and keep them under your protective care, always.

May they be loved, honoured and cherished. Help us to be ever grateful for them and helpful towards them, not only on Mother’s Day, but every day. Amen!

 

To ALL mothers – wishing you a delightful Mother’s Day! 

God bless you with good health, always.