I have often heard that honoring mothers for just one day each year is simply not enough. The woman who pours out her entire self to become a mother deserves celebration on every child’s birthday— and then some. It was, after all, her generous “yes” to life that brought each child into the world. Though imperfect in our duties as mothers, many of us recognize we are unworthy of such acclaim. Yet there is one who gave us the perfect example, one whom every mother can emulate.
The only mother truly worthy of daily recognition is the woman who humbly gave her “Yes” to God, withholding nothing of her being from His divine request. Scripture tells us the angel Gabriel greeted her: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you;… thou hast found favor with God” (Luke 1:28, 30). From her humble response— “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)— Christians received Salvation Incarnate. The Word became flesh. God chose a woman to be the Mother of His divine Son, and through her flesh He took on our human condition in all things but sin.
Only one woman, full of grace, was created to be the Mother of God Incarnate. Yet every woman is called to carry on this unique and irreplaceable vocation of motherhood— whether biological, adoptive, or spiritual— because it is woven into the very order of creation. As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, let us reflect on the beautiful plan our Creator has for mothers. When we look through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas, the preeminent theologian on the human person, we discover a vision of motherhood that is noble, joyful, and deeply empowering.
In the Summa Theologica, Aquinas teaches that mothers love their children with special intensity because they labor more in bearing and nurturing them (II-II, q. 26, a. 10). The mother first enfolds her child in her physical womb and then in the “spiritual womb” of the family, working hand-in-hand with God to form both body and soul. Together with the father, she shares the sacred duty of raising children not merely for this world, but for eternal life, guiding them to know, love, and serve God with all their hearts.
In God’s design, motherhood is fruitful, sacrificial, and radiant with love. God has uniquely equipped mothers to be a nurturing presence, to gently teach virtue, and to be an example of piety for her children. Far from limiting women, this role lifts them up. Through prudent and charitable motherhood, every woman participates in God’s own creative and redemptive work. What extraordinary dignity!
Today’s mothers, however, often walk paths far different from this ideal. Divorce, infidelity, spousal abuse, and single parenting touch many families. Millions of courageous mothers raise children without a spouse’s daily support, sometimes feeling isolated or weary. Yet Aquinas offers the most hopeful comfort: your motherhood remains a divine calling even when circumstances are difficult. The duties of love, piety, and education do not disappear. They become heroic acts of fortitude and hope that God sees and honors.
The family is the primary target of the enemy in our age. In his Sermon on the Feast of the Holy Family (St. Mary of Pine Bluff, Wis., Jan. 8, 2023), Fr. Chad Ripperger said, “There’s not a single aspect of married or family life that’s not under full assault by our culture.” He encourages mothers to reject passivity, embrace self-denial, and recognize that their daily sacrifices merit powerful graces, not only for their own children but for the entire Church. Even in broken marriages or single parenting, fidelity to one’s state in life becomes a path to profound holiness. Jesus Christ breaks every curse. Trusting Him, praying daily, and seeking wisdom in the Scriptures restores order and peace in the home. The “office of motherhood” carries real spiritual authority: a mother has a unique right and duty to pray for and protect her children. For this reason, mothers must pray for the spiritual protection of their children.
The most perfect example of motherhood we have is Mary the Mother of Jesus. Echoing the words of Elizabeth she is called our Blessed Mother, “…Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb…” (Luke 1:42). Thanks be to God, and to her example, no mother walks alone. We also have the saints to cheer us on with shining examples of victory. St. Monica endured an unfaithful, difficult husband and a sharp-tongued mother-in-law. Through heroic patience and ceaseless prayer, she won her husband’s conversion and, after years of tears, saw her rebellious son Augustine become one of the Church’s greatest saints. St. Rita of Cascia lived for eighteen years with an abusive husband, responding with kindness and prayer until his conversion. Widowed and left to raise her children, she later entered religious life. Their stories prove that God redeems every tear and every trial when offered in love. True motherhood, as Aquinas teaches, is defined not by a perfect spouse but by persevering charity and trust in divine providence.
Practical strength is available right now. First, cling to Jesus Christ and seek His strength and wisdom, especially through Holy Communion, Scripture reading, and prayer. Second, cultivate the virtues he prized: prudence (the “charioteer” guiding every decision), fortitude to press on, and charity that always wills the true good of your children. Third, pray with confidence. Fourth, ask others to pray for you. Finally, build community: a trusted pastor or priest, faithful friends, or a supportive group of mothers will remind you that isolation is never the answer.
In this age of broken homes, let every mother find assurance in God that her life is still sacred and beautiful. Whether married, widowed, abandoned, or single, you are called to raise healthy, holy children by wrapping them in the spiritual womb of faith, hope, and love. The enemy attacks most fiercely where God’s plan is most glorious — and that means your motherhood is worth fighting for. The saints prove that victory is not only possible but already won in Christ.
The path may be arduous at times, yet the reward is eternal joy. You are not merely surviving. You are cooperating in the redemption of your family and the world. Take heart: the same grace that filled the Mother of Jesus and sustained Monica and Rita is pouring out for you today. Through prayer, virtue, and the sacraments, every mother can discover the comfort, strength, and even joy to raise saints— even from the ruins of a broken home.
This Mother’s Day, let us remember that motherhood should be celebrated every day by giving our “yes” daily to serving God, even if the role is publicly recognized only once a year. For the woman who gives herself as God ordained, every act of love is a reason to rejoice. You are seen. You are cherished. And your generous “yes” continues to change the world, one holy soul at a time. In the words of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
Dr. Cindy Sena-Martinez is a Thomistic Psychologist and Fullness of Life Coach.
