By Sarah Hanley • Posted May 1, 2023

“Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and name him Jesus.” – Luke 1:31

In May my thoughts always turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. How come you couldn’t? She is the biblical matriarchal chart. Her story is motherhood in its highest form. Her love and care for the Son of God set the ultimate example for mothers of all ages.

But sometimes I wonder if we can put ourselves in Mary’s shoes and imagine a pre-Christian era. She has nothing but faith and belief in God to guide her. Yet she accepts the will of her Lord and dives into a future defined entirely by God’s will.

Have we recognized and understood the weight of the angel’s words? Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son, and name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end. The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. (Luke 1:30-33,35)

Mary not only understands these words, she embodies them.

In honoring our mothers and motherly figures this month, I reflect on Mary, Mother of God, and how she is a paragon to all of us. A true example of love.

CFGP is proud to partner with countless organizations such as the Catholic Social Service (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These organizations follow Our Lady’s loving example, especially in their daily work with mothers and children.

Throughout the Philadelphia area, CSS Family Service Centers provide support to mothers-to-be, new parents and single parents. Childbirth can be one of the best times in a woman’s life, but it can also be stressful. CSS staff reach out to mothers in need. CSS has trained parent educators who help mothers get what they need to raise healthy, happy and strong children.

The Mercy Hospice is another inspiring example of the Blessed Mother at work. Mercy Hospice is her CSS residency program that provides stability and hope to women who have recovered from substance abuse, especially mothers of young children. While there, women receive case management services, training, and assistance with life skills, parenting skills, job readiness, and independent living readiness.

Another important CSS program to support mothers and families is the Out of School Hours Program. These are school-based community centers that offer after-school creative activities and summer camps aimed at youth development and family support.

From Mercy Hospice, where convalescent mothers can spend time with their children, to prenatal classes for expectant mothers at Family Service Centers, Our Lady’s Spirit is undoubtedly at work in the Catholic community. At the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, we are always committed to being an extension of the hand of Christ and His Lady.

If you’re looking for ways to honor a mother in your life, please consider making a gift to our CSS charity by visiting thecfgp.org/donate/chs.

For more information about The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia and what we do, please visit thecfgp.org website.

May Mother’s Day be blessed and may Mary’s grace fill your hearts during this Marian month and always.

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Sarah Hanley is President and CEO of The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia.