Mother’s Day: A Celebration of Life and Fruitfulness
This weekend, we’re celebrating the gifts of life, fruitfulness, and motherhood.
From the moment a woman becomes a mother, she is entrusted with the remarkable gift of nurturing and guiding her child as he or she enters into the world. Beyond the physical act of giving birth, becoming a mother is a transformative experience that brings great love, sacrifice, and joy into a woman’s life forever.
At the heart of motherhood lies the incredible capacity to bring new life into the world. Whether through childbirth, adoption, or fostering, mothers provide a space of unconditional love in which children can grow, develop, and thrive. When God offers a woman the opportunity to participate in this beautiful process of bringing life into the world, she is given a gift beyond comprehension: the ability to be fruitful. Venerable Fulton Sheen once said, “she, [the mother] is nature’s constant challenge to death, the bearer of cosmic plentitude, the herald of eternal realities, God’s great cooperator.”
Through the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, motherhood presents the opportunity for intense joy and sanctification alike. Not only do mothers bring life into the world, but they nurture and cultivate it as their children grow. Mothers are the heartbeats of the home. They have the capacity to brighten their families with warmth, love, and laughter, and though they have many opportunities to sacrifice their comfort for their families, it is through these sacrifices that they experience the fulfillment and joy of their vocation.
In essence, motherhood is a celebration of life and fruitfulness in its purest form. As we honor and celebrate mothers everywhere this Mother’s Day, let us recognize the profound impact they have on shaping the future and nurturing the seeds of hope, compassion, and joy in the world.
To all the mothers reading this, thank you for all that you do to bring life and love into the world each and every day!
"The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother."
- St. Therese of Lisieux
Let’s Throw a Garden Party!
Want to honor the ladies in your life that make the world more beautiful? Here’s your sign to throw a garden party this spring!
The Elements of a Great Garden Party
Outfits and Inspiration
Choose a fun theme for your guests to follow that celebrates this beautiful time of year. Whether it’s bright colors, floral prints, sundresses, or festive hats, lean into the theme and encourage everyone to dress to impress!
The Menu
Use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a yummy salad, cheeseboard, sandwich, or any food that strikes your fancy. For dessert, lean into springtime flavors with lavender shortbread, lemon bars, or berry tartlets!
The Beverages
Every garden party needs a refreshing beverage, especially if it's a warm day. Some great drinks to serve at a garden party include iced herbal tea, lavender or rose lemonade, a fruity spritz, or a floral cocktail.
Activity/Party Favor
Choose an activity to do with your guests that doubles as a party favor. Some of our favorites include arranging your own bouquets, creating mini mason jar planters, and painting flower pots!
Photo inspiration for your garden party!
The May Crowning Tradition
May is not only the month in which we celebrate our own mothers- it’s also when people all over the world honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus!
The May Crowning Tradition
One of the most popular traditions for the Month of Mary is called a May Crowning. Dating all the way back to medieval times, the May Crowning is an age old-tradition designed to offer respect and homage to Mary and to celebrate her special role as the mother of the Savior of the World. The ceremony usually entails placing a wreath of beautiful flowers on the head of a Mary statue, crowning her the Queen of Heaven, and it is typically accompanied by prayers, hymns, and reflections that pay homage to this important woman.
The month of May was chosen for this devotion because, in many cultures and traditions, the beauty and bounteous foliage of springtime act as symbols of spiritual renewal, life, and growth. The earth gleaning new life in nature is mirrored by Mary’s role of bearing the life and light of Christ into the world. The freshness and beauty of flowers have also been thought to represent Mary’s purity and maternal care for not only Jesus, but for all people.
Just as we might honor our own mothers, grandmothers, and all important women in our lives with flowers, kind words, and love this month, the May Crowning tradition gives us an opportunity to honor Mary, a very special woman who had a unique and essential role in salvation history. Happy Mother’s Day, Mary, Mother of Jesus!
