Traditionally, we celebrate the crowning of our Blessed Virgin Mary the first Sunday of May to honor her from the very beginning of the month. But because of First Holy Communion, we moved it to the second Sunday in order to give each one focus and to better appreciate the celebration.

Besides, it is also timely to do the crowning of the image of our Blessed Mother this Sunday because we celebrate Mother’s Day. Mary is a mother and the perfect example for all mothers. She took care of Jesus from womb to tomb. Her entire life was devoted to Him and assisted Him, in whatever way she could, to carry out His mission. She journeyed in faith all the way to the end. She persevered in prayer with the Church. Thus, in an eminent way, she won the ‘crown of righteousness’, ‘the crown of life’, ‘the crown of glory’ and that is why we recognize her in a special way.

Along this line, I am sure that you also have a story of your own mother, how she took care of you and loved you all her life from the time you were born until you were grown up. You remember the many days that she would wake up early in order to prepare breakfast for you. She would go to work in order to provide you for all your needs and send you to school. She would do everything just to make you happy and have a better life someday.

I remember when my father died at a young age of 38. We are six in the family and I am the oldest, 12 years old the time my father died and our youngest was 7 months old. So you can imagine the hardships and struggles we went through. But thanks to my mom to whom I have my great respect and admiration because she took care of us with courage, hard work and lots of sacrifices. She sent us to school. She provided us with our everyday needs. Now it is our turn to take care of her as a sign of our gratitude for being a good mother and treat her in a special way, especially on Mother’s Day and her birthday.

I will not be with her on Mother’s Day, but I will remember her in my mass today and later this week, I will catch up with her as I will be leaving for home for my vacation.

I hope you will remember your mom today in a special way, whether living or deceased. Pray for her and be grateful for giving you an opportunity to live and experience what the world is all about. No greater love than a mother’s love!

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!