Greetings from the Confidentia Shrine!
Mother’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, May 8, 2022, in the US, and in Mexico, it was celebrated on May 10. It is a popular holiday that doesn’t have Christian roots nor was it introduced into our culture by the Christian churches. While Mother’s Day cannot be understood without the corresponding cultural imprint in which it originated, the holiday expresses something that is universally valid, namely that there is no bond that is more intensive than that between mother and child. And if there have been disturbances in this relationship – for whatever reason – people usually carry that painful burden in their emotional backpack throughout their lives.
Mother’s Day doesn’t need much explanation: it is understood on its own merits because it has a clear place in the life of every human being. And even if one rejects many traditional role models and clichés of what a mother is supposed to be and do, one cannot avoid acknowledging that it is mothers who form a particularly close relationship with their child that cannot be compared to any other bond.
Most likely in this context, we appreciate the sacrificial strength and heroic courage of the many mothers and grandmothers who fled Ukraine with their children to seek protection and help in the neighboring countries, leaving their husbands behind. The war in Ukraine and elsewhere reminds us of the hardship that motherhood includes. We may also think of the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt to protect the Christ Child, the prophecy of Simeon that Mary’s heart will be pierced by a sword, and her offering of her Son on Golgotha.
This is the Mother who Jesus gave to us as his last will. It is to her that many come on pilgrimage to our Confidentia Shrine this May. Father Kentenich often said that every day of May is a day to honor and love the Blessed Mother in a special way and to honor her with a crown as the Queen of May. We sisters have our daily May devotions and include all of you and your intentions in our prayers.
Perhaps you can come to the Confidentia Shrine for one of the May pilgrimages or arrange for a private visit.
Our Mother is waiting for you!
With prayers from the Confidentia Shrine,
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary