Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ,

Recently one of my cousins sent to me through the mail an old photograph of my parents. It was a photograph of my parents when they were in their late twenties and had only recently married. I had never seen this photograph before; it was not among the treasures I have in an over-crowded box of family photos and memories of past events in my early life. The photo had been in a collection of my aunt who recently died. I guess she had kept this old photo for the same reason I was so happy to receive the photo - the picture capture a moment in time of love, devotion, commitment and hope that my family represented and continues to tell through the current generation. The picture also captured the beauty of my mother as a young woman. I never appreciated how beautiful my mother was as I was growing up - she was just "my mom." As I look at that photo I can understand not only the strength I knew from her but also see her beauty as God shaped her to be as an adult. I can embrace the total person who loved me, gave me life, and raised from being an infant to become a man. Thank you, mom.

May is the month that is dedicated to the remembrance of our mothers who raised us all, especially the second Sunday of the month - Mother’s Day. But May is also the month that we have been blessed by God to honor the mother of all the modern world ... that is the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary, holy Queen, mother of the Lord Jesus and of his holy Church. I have a picture of the Blessed Virgin hanging in my bedroom in the rectory (okay, actually I have several of Mary but this is my favorite). The picture shows a beautiful young woman holding a small infant, gazing with love, devotion, commitment and hope. The picture was a gift to me many years ago. The picture is a reminder of my journey of faith which has been strengthened by the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, from my being "an infant Catholic" in the 1970s to becoming a more mature person in faith. Thank you, Mary.

As May comes I cannot help but compare the photo of my parents to the picture I have of the Blessed Virgin - one I have recently received and one I’ve had for some time - both speak to the past and to the future; both inspire me and feed my spirit; both are a part of who I was, am now, and direct who I desire to become. What a wonderful blessing to have TWO mothers who love you so much they will give you true life. Thank you, God!

Mary, the Mother of God continues to gaze upon you and I with love. She is given to us by her son, Jesus, to give us comfort and love. She prays for us. She encourages us to listen to her son, and to trust in God. May this Blessed Mother, as wise as any mother who has ever been in this world, be a true part of your life - not only in May - but through all the days of your journey.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Bruce W. Wilkinson
Pastor