To the One who gives birth to the children of God,

And cuddles her babies under a soft wing,

We bring our joy and sorrows to you this Mother’s Day.

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May we not simplify this day into a celebration of healthy relationships

Without recognizing the pain and sorrow it brings for many.

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For those who never knew a mother’s love,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For those who have said goodbye to mothers too soon,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For those whose mothers no longer remember their name,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For those estranged, rejected and pushed away

By their own mother,

Or by their own dear children,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For the adopted and the fostered,

And for the mothers who adopt and foster,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For the single mother,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For mothers who birthed babies straight into the arms of God,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For the mother who never conceived,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For the mother who chose not to mother,

O Christ, redeem this day.

For the mother whose child is gone,

O Christ, redeem this day.

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To the One who suffered to bring us to life,

Who fed us with his own body,

We bring our joy and sorrows to you this Mother’s Day.