Honor Your Mother

As are so many others, I am filled with gratitude to God for our new Pope Francis and am so honored to see the deep respect that he has for mothers.  This picture has become my very favorite of him.  I get goosebumps every time I look at it and read the quote that goes with it.  What a beautiful man who so openly reverences motherhood and remembers his own mother as well!  I pray that we may all follow his loving and holy example!

Earlier, in February 2005, Pope Francis chose to celebrate the Mass for Holy Thursday in a maternity hospital in Buenos Aires, where he washed the feet of 12 expectant and new mothers. Before he washed their feet, he told them that “Some of you are holding your babies in your arms. Others of you are carrying them in your womb. All of you are women who have chosen life. I, as a priest, am going to repeat the act of Jesus, and carry out a concrete act of service for women who have said yes to life. In washing your feet, I am washing those of all mothers, and of my mother, who felt me in her womb."  

~from "Love Being Catholic

Virgin Salus Populi Romani-the Protectress of the Roman People, the icon to whom Pope Francis brought flowers on his first day as Pope

Pope Francis offering flowers to the Virgin Salus Populi Romani

And what mother doesn't love to receive flowers from her children?  This image reminds me of the pudgy, often dirty hands of my own children, lovingly reaching up to me to offer a fistful of dandelions on a warm summer day.  Even our beloved Holy Father forever remains a child in the eyes of his Mother.  How sweet!  There is much to admire about a humble man who loves his Mother and brings her colorful and fragrant offerings of love!  Viva il Papa Francis!