The Priest, Our Lady and Catholic Women (Mothers)

This is a photo of my late mother, Audrey, and my sister on our last visit to Lourdes. When my mother died (April 10, 2010), after the initial shock and a brief period of awful grief, I received a wonderful grace which meant that the worst aspects of grief were simply overtaken by immense gratitude and a great sense of peace. It is not just an emotional thing - it has lasted until now and has brought with it a deeper appreciation of the gift of motherhood - a gift of huge and unique importance for the world and the Church.


One of the touching things that brought this home was a card we found in my mother's prayer books which has a picture of the Visitation on one side and a special request to Our Lady to look after a mother's children on the other. In that prayer there is a space where a mother might write the names of her children. Of course, there we are, the three of us. Two other things happened which were obviously a preparation for her death. On my last anniversary of ordination before her death, my mother insisted that I buy myself a new Mass vestment. I had just recently begun to celebrate the EF (Latin Rite) and wanted a Lady vestment for myself, that I might take with me wherever I went. Mum insisted that I get a good one. I tried to limit the expense and she was disappointed that I had not spent more! I asked myself then why she was doing this. Another occasion was the visit of the Relics of St. Therese. My mother had a great devotion to this saint, but because of her inability to get about (severe arthritis) she though she would never get to the Cathedral to visit the relics. One day when I was praying before the Blessed Sacrament I had a VERY strong impression that St. Therese was telling me to take my mother to the Cathedral. Things being what they were, with crowds etc, it seemed that the best thing to do was to go early. I borrowed a wheelchair and went to collect Mum around 6.30 in the morning. This was the final day of the relics' visit and we were two of the first people there that morning. We stayed for the 10.00 Mass and for the removal of the relics (to go elsewhere). As the relics came out of the Cathedral and were surrounded by the bishop and other significant people, including some Carmelite sisters, I pushed my mother back across the road so she could say "goodbye". It was strange and wonderful later, looking at photos of this event on the internet and seeing my mother's head sticking out from behind the others as the relics were loaded onto a special hearse. On that day mum showed no sign of strain or pain.


When my mother was near death I was taking a few days rest at Pantasaph Friary, North Wales. I had to leave quickly after the phone call, but I later went back, and the retreat master, Fr. Keith asked me, "If you were going to give a retreat now, what would it be on?" Without much thought I said, "Mary and the Gift of Motherhood" - "OK" he said, "Let's do it"


So, I am giving this retreat at the Friary on 28th, 29th, 30th October 2011. Anyone interested can book now on the Friary website or contact me.


Obviously I am reading in preparation for this retreat, and since I will be speaking about women I am reading two books by Catholic women - The Authentic Catholic Woman by Genevieve Kineke and Mothering by Anna Melchior. I am also reading new books about Our Lady.


Reflecting on some of this this morning I was reminded again of just how important women have been to me in my priestly life. I KNOW I would not be a priest unless it was through Our Lady's prayers, and I have often thought how women especially have come to my aid when I needed help. There is a long story here which I would be happy to share if you want me to, but for now, here is one priest who thanks God for good Catholic (and non-catholic!) women and for the gifts that God has given them in the service of truth and love.