The Mammas and Il Papa

With love and thanks for all the Moms among us on this Mother's Day – and in tribute for all their heroic and usually unsung work, sacrifice and witness – let the Pope explain how he first met Jesus....



At the close of today's Regina Caeli – during which, on this World Vocations Day, he urged the faithful to "bother" their pastors – Francis offered the following greeting: "And today I invite you to take time for a good thought and a prayer for all mothers. Let us greet the mamme [mommies]! Entrusting them to the mamma of Jesus, let us pray to the Madonna for our own mamme and all the mommies – Hail Mary....

"A big greeting to the mommies: a big greeting!"

Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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