Catholic Outlook Magazine | Lent & Easter | 2023 Issue

Mothers
Models of faith and love
STORY MARY BRAZELL
Every May, we have the opportunity to thank God
for the gifts of our mothers, grandmothers and
mother-figures in our lives.
I spoke with three people about their mothers.
Mothers as educators in the faith
Jacob Boulus from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish,
Kellyville, described his mother Mary as “the source
of care and strength in our family.”
“She is deeply loving, a strong leader, and fulfils her
motherly duties with lots of grace,” he said.
“Hers is a love I can fall back on always.”
Year 11 student at Nagle College, Blacktown, Chevonne
Lobo, loves her mother Kelly’s infectious laugh.
“You can hear it from a mile away, which is great since
it can instantly put you in a good mood,” she said.
“Seeing the way she sings in the parish choir has
allowed me to start my own youth choir in Church,
which has strengthened my faith in God, and I have
her to thank for that.”
Deacon Batsirai Maringehosi from Our Lady of the
Way Parish, Emu Plains, is grateful to his wife Charity
for helping their three children grow.
“On Mothers’ Day, we come together as a family
in the evening and pray particularly for her in our
evening prayers," he shared.
“Her greatest spiritual gift to me was allowing me
to pursue my call to the ministry of Diaconate. Even
though it was my calling, she gave it her blessing and
has joined me on the journey, taking it as her own.”
Our Lady a ‘perfect example’
“Our Blessed Mother Mary is the custodian of my
faith,” Deacon Batsirai said. “She journeys with me and
she cheers me up when I am feeling spiritually low.”
Jacob added, “Our Lady is unconditional love and
mercy ever flowing.
“She teaches me to nurture and softens my heart to
those in need.”
Chevonne said, “Mother Mary is a perfect example of
how we should live our lives.”
Honouring our mothers every day
Outside of the breakfasts in bed, flowers and gifts,
each person explains the importance of showing our
mothers appreciation every day of the year.
Deacon Batsirai told me, “Mothers are great leaders,
they hold together families through love. We can
show them our appreciation and acknowledge
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish youth leader Jacob
Boulus (right) with his mother Mary. Image: Supplied.
Nagle College student Chevonne Lobo (left) with her
mother Kelly. Image: Supplied.
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