Welcome back to the Mother’s Day Novena from FaithND, an outreach of the Notre Dame Alumni Association.

Let us pray:

Mary, Our Mother, by accepting the invitation to bear God’s Son to the world, you brought forth new life for all of us. Your faithful acceptance of God’s word is our model and inspiration as we strive to make room in our hearts for your Son and bear him to others. Help us to follow him more closely, even to the foot of the cross, as you did.

During this month dedicated to you, we ask in a special way for you to care for each of our own mothers: (state your personal intention).

Reflection:

As we continue our Mother’s Day novena, we now direct our attention to Giorgio Vasari’s 1540 oil painting, Annunciation, located in the Raclin Murphy Museum’s European collection. This piece, which depicts the Archangel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would bear the Son of God, also reveals Mary’s openness to God’s will. Her motherly “fiat” provides us with the example of total trust and devotion to the Lord. 

Can we likewise adapt and surrender to the will of God in those unexpected demands that manifest throughout the circumstances of our lives? Despite the surprising appearance of the angel and his rather scandalous proposal, Mary responds with a perfect surrender: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). 

The beautiful adventure of motherhood brings unanticipated joys and trials. The gift of a child deeply transforms the lives of both parents, but particularly every mother in body, mind, and heart. Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message exemplifies the continual “yes,” which we each strive to say in our own hearts daily. Motherhood is a journey of continual trust in the Lord’s plan, in God’s timing, and in the truth that, “all things work for good for those who love God. (Romans 8:28) 

The Annunciation honors the Incarnation by which Jesus takes on our human nature, and it honors Mary for her crucial role in that gracious movement: all of salvation hinges on Mary’s “yes” in this moment. By her “yes” we, also, are destined for divinity. It is her acceptance of God’s call to bear Jesus to the world that gives us the courage and strength to bear Jesus to the world. It is her cooperation with the Word of God that gives our own humanity a share in God’s glory.

Let us pray:

Mary of the Annunciation, we pray today for our mothers and for all women who wish to become mothers. Bless those couples struggling with infertility, those hoping for a child, and each one of us with the consoling joy of the Spirit you found in surrendering to the will of God.

(Pause for a moment of silence. Then conclude:)

We pray, as in all things, through the name of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Closing Hymn – Alma Mater:

Notre Dame, Our Mother, tender, strong, and true,
Proudly in the heavens gleams thy gold and blue.
Glory’s mantle cloaks thee, golden is thy fame
And our hearts forever praise thee, Notre Dame.
And our hearts forever love thee, Notre Dame.

Image Credit: Giorgio Vasari (Italian, 1511 – 1574), Annunciation, ca. 1540, Oil on panel. Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame. Gift of Charles A. Wightman, 1924.001.079.