On the dignity of Motherhood

The role of mothers in today’s society is often under-appreciated and misunderstood. To be a mother is to be a pourer, one who does not hold back but rather pours out all she has throughout her entire life, unto death, and into eternity. This is agape love, a supreme love of total self-giving. Every moment of mothering is overflowing with grace and blessings in one form or another. It’s a vocation of unquestionable blessedness to a faithful woman who embraces her vocation.

The mother’s role is not just physical. It is through the experience of motherly care that we discover our self-worth as valuable and precious in the eyes of our mother. As such, the unique humanising influence of motherhood on the person is motherhood’s gift to society. Thus, at the spiritual level, she says, a person perceives God’s love through the motherly love received.

But there are two unique types of mothers that have special experiences to share. Elderly mothers are often called the Matriarchs of the family. Elderly mothers: every wrinkle, gray hair, varicose vein, pain, and frailty you have is a purple-heart medal for which you should beam with a holy pride. Do you realize the grand dignity they have, the necessary awe-inspiring sign that they are in the world?

The role of single mothers in today’s society is often underappreciated and misunderstood. Despite the hardships they face, evidence suggests that single mothers possess extraordinary qualities that enable them to succeed in their roles and positively impact their children’s lives. They often exhibit remarkable emotional resilience in the face of adversity. Many single mothers possess a strong sense of determination to overcome challenges. Single mothers play a vital role in shaping their children’s lives and serve as powerful role models. Children raised by single mothers often exhibit greater independence, empathy, and resilience themselves. Recognizing and appreciating the strengths of single mothers is essential to fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.

Both of these types of mothers need our support as Vincentians. The elderly mother often is a widow left without her partner for life. Isolation and loneliness can colour her days. Financial needs may slowly creep into their lives. She may see issues in her extended family that she cannot do anything about.

The single mother needs help to just be able to cope with the daily grind. They may be the sole financial support for the family and often are troubled by leaving their children to others so that they can work. Many see a loss of their perceived future. Journeying with them is necessary and ongoing.

We pray that we will come to appreciate the depths of the mystery of this calling and the dignity of motherhood. Mary, Mother of God, and our Mother too, pray for us.

Deacon John Girolami DTS
SSVP Spiritual Advisor ONRC