What do St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, Long Island New York and Elvis Presley have in common? All three can fall within the purview of the gift of spiritual motherhood within one week’s time!

 In the month of May, we celebrate Mother’s Day—the gift of those beautiful women in our lives who opened themselves to life and nurtured us. And in a special way, throughout the month of May, we honor our Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother, for her constant care, concern, and love for all of us, her children.

 As consecrated Religious women, we are called to follow Our Lady’s example of Motherhood, which is manifested quite concretely by our TLC when educating our students, caring for the folks of “vintage” population in our nursing home, or accompanying our younger Sisters in formation. And certainly our motherhood is exemplified in myriad spiritual ways through our daily prayers, sacrifices, Sacraments, and in drawing all peoples towards Jesus and His Eucharistic Heart.

 This week, we celebrate the vestition of our Postulant, Sr. Kristen, who is now Sr. Elizabeth. She chose her name after St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, a Saint who is particularly popular among young people these days. I have journeyed with Sr. Elizabeth for some months now, and what joy spills over my heart at having walked with her in preparation and readiness for this special day! As spiritual mother, I couldn’t feel more proud!

 Last week, I spent five days on Long Island at a workshop with 100 other Religious Sisters from various other congregations. All the Sisters who attended have the responsibility in some way, shape, or form of forming the young women whom Jesus is calling to enter our congregations and communities. It was a powerful networking of spiritual mothers desiring so much good for our young women in formation, sharing of resources, growing spiritually and intellectually together as formators.

 Last Sunday, we celebrated the Mother’s Day party in our nursing home. We were blessed with a talented entertainer who performed as Elvis Presley! Again, what a joy it was to be part of that, to facilitate something that was so meaningful, musical, fun, and uplifting to all of the “vintage population” residents of our home, who so much appreciated it! And I got all shook up when Elvis invited me to sing a Gospel hymn with him!  It was absolutely delightful!

 As spiritual mother, I’m learning to, as Mary did, hold all these things in my heart.  God is so incredible in His goodness to us.  We walk with Him as a Good Father each and every day.  And He holds us!   May God bless you and all your mothers and the spiritual mothers in your life! Happy Mother’s Day, and Happy Mother’s Month!

 - Sister Maria-Vianney, OP