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:

This third day of the Mother’s Day novena brings us to consider the gift of the Visitation and the gift of the bond of friendship and motherhood between Saint Elizabeth and the Virgin Mary. The painting Two Girls and a Baby by Joseph M. Raphael points us to consider the beautiful gift of life, particularly when it is shared between women. 

What a testament to God’s providential care! Mary did not have to carry her incredible miracle alone. Someone who knew exactly what sort of experience she was having was present in her life and could journey with her throughout this remarkable season!

In the Biblical Visitation narrative, Elizabeth exclaimed upon seeing Mary and her child, John the Baptist, leaped in her womb. Elizabeth’s words when she recognized Mary’s role in our life of faith are remembered in the “Hail Mary” prayer: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

May responds with the inspired word of the Magnificent, exclaiming: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior (Luke 1:47). Mary is inspired to compose her beautiful Canticle at the prompting of her beloved cousin. 

How beautiful that Mary and Elizabeth’s intimate friendship brings us closer together through the words that orient us towards God. The Visitation reveals to us the gift of maternal connection and support. 

Today, let us pray for the gift of familial support for all mothers.

Let us pray:

Mary of the Visitation, we pray today for the support of all mothers raising children. May they receive the warm welcome and material assistance of family members and their communities in the sacred task that has been entrusted to them.

(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: Joseph M. Raphael (American, 1869 – 1950), Two Girls and a Baby, ca. 1909, Oil on wax-lined canvas. Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame. Gift of Brenden, ND ’90 and Marcia Beck, 2020.016.