The Quintessential Song of Mothers
Whether we sing of Mary, Mother of God, or our own mothers, perhaps no song plucks at the heart strings as powerfully as Ave Maria . On this day for mothers, enjoy this rendition masterfully performed in 1994 by Luciano Pavarotti.
Mother's Love Stands the Test of Time

My mother gave me a beautiful statue of Mary (shown here) when I first entered the convent. Therefore, it is 50 years old, as this is my Jubilee year!

My mother was faithful to praying the Rosary. Here are some interesting facts about our family:

My mother's birthday is September 8, the birthday of Blessed Mother.

My birthday is August 15, the Feast of Mary's Assumption.

My Aunt Cecelia's birthday is December 8, Immaculate Conception.

I'm sure my mother and aunt are celebrating in heaven with Mary today!

-- Sister Carol Ann Papp
Grateful for Our Mothers (and Fathers Too)
"My sister and I had a wonderful mom. We grew up as ‘city kids’ in South Philadelphia. Mom was definitely the ‘boss’ in our house. My dad was kind and gentle and funny. However, Mom told Dad: 'If the girls ask you for anything, the only thing you’re allowed to say is, ‘Ask your mother' because you don’t know how to say ‘No’ to your daughters. We didn’t have much. Dad worked down at the Navy Yard and brought in enough money to pay the bills. However, Mary Lou and I were raised with a lot of love, compassion and security. So Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, and thank you!"
--Sister Barbara DeStefano


"Mom made many retreats at our St. Francis Center Center for Renewal. She and my dad both loved to sing, and music was a big part of our family. As Mom aged, one of her greatest joys was being surrounded by her grandchildren. Mom went to heaven in 1994, and we remember her with great love and gratitude."
-- Sister Marie Therese Sherwood
"I cannot honor just my mom today without adding my dad. They were married on April 30, 1929, and raised my 10 siblings with me in a good Catholic family. We all attended mass, even on weekdays, when we were just tiny tots. That upbringing was carried on to my 29 nieces and nephews, 44 great ones and 11 great-great ones. I am proud to say that you will find a lot of them at Sunday Masses, and now we join together with my priest nephew as he live streams Mass on Sundays. A big compliment to both of them was when my oldest brother told me the other day that the only time he missed Mass on Sunday was when he was in the Navy on a ship. He misses Mass now during COVID-19. So to my parents -- and to all the moms, godmothers, grandmothers -- may God bless and reward you."
-- Sister Roselyn Kuzma
Celebrating the Blessed Mother
Sister Frances Marie Duncan holds dear the two songs depicted in the videos below, as they celebrate Mary. "For a bit of nostalgia, one of my favorite Marian hymns -- and perfect for Mother's Day and the month of May -- is On This Day, O Beautiful Mother. " Sister says. "Also, one of my favorite poems/songs from early childhood is Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue , shown in a more modern musical setting."

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On This Day,
O Beautiful Mother
Lovely Lady
Dressed in Blue
Loving Memories
A poem by Sister Jean Makovsky about
her late mother, Suzanna Makovksy

Your gentle face and patient smile,
With sadness we recall.
You had a kindly word for each,
And died beloved by all.

The voice is mute and stilled the heart
That loved us well and true!
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
For one so good as you.

You are not forgotten, loved one.
Nor will you ever be.
As long as life and memory last,
We will remember thee.

We miss you now, our hearts are sore.
As time goes by, we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face.
No one can fill your vacant place.
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