Childhood brings with it a steady stream of emotions. As we love to see our kids happy and thriving, we also need to address their stresses and fears no matter how unfounded or irrational they may seem. This might seem uneasy. As much as our words and actions as parents can help our children feel safe and teach them to cope, it is also important that parents look up to Saints for help.
The following are five saints who were mothers. Each of these women represents a certain aspect of motherhood. They can help parents and mothers most especially in their efforts to raise holy and virtuous children.
St. Gianna: Known for her Sacrifice
St. Gianna is a modern day saint who was not only a mother but also a pediatrician, athlete and tireless volunteer in her community. She made the ultimate sacrifice by giving her life so that her child could live. When she was diagnosed with a tumor on her uterus, she refused to have an abortion or hysterectomy and endured a painful and difficult pregnancy and childbirth. She died shortly after giving birth to her fourth child, also named Gianna, who is still alive today and very active in the pro-life movement. Her feast day is celebrated on April 28th.
When praying, ask this Saint for the Ability to sacrifice.
St. Monica: Known for Persistence
St. Monica is the mother of the great St. Augustine, but she had to suffer much for her son. As a young man, Augustine lived a wild and sinful life. He ignored his mother’s pleadings to return to the Christian values she had taught him yet, Monica refused to give up on her son, and followed him for years, praying for him and begging him to give up his sinful life. Eventually, her persistence paid off. Augustine became a priest whose writings are still influential today. Her feast day is celebrated on August 27th.
When praying, ask this Saint to assist you in persistence.
The Blessed Mother: Known as a virtuous woman
Mary is the perfect example of a virtuous mother although sometimes she seems almost too perfect! Her will was always perfectly aligned with God’s will, and she received special graces as she was chosen to be the woman who nurtured God’s own Son. Yet she faced many hardships and difficulties. When she was a very young mother, she lived in poverty and had to travel to a strange land (Egypt), far away from family and friends. She also had to endure watching her beloved Son suffer so greatly. Mary does understand the struggles we face as mothers, and her intercession is especially powerful since she is so close to Jesus. There are many feast days devoted to Mary throughout the year, but she is especially honored as the Mother of God on January 1st.
Ask for the gift of virtue.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Known for withstanding Hardships
St. Elizabeth is the first saint to be born in the United States. She was raised in the Episcopal church, married a wealthy businessman and had five children. Sadly, her husband’s business went bankrupt, and he died of tuberculosis. Now a widow and single mother, Elizabeth became a Catholic and started a school in order to support her family. She continued to endure hardships even at the death of two daughters. This Saint faced difficulties in her mission to lead a religious order, yet she is remembered as being cheerful and hopeful. Like her husband, she contracted tuberculosis and died at age 46. Her feast day is celebrated on January 4th.
Ask her to intercede for you in times of hardship.
St. Judith: Living a Simple Life
St. Judith was born into a wealthy family in what is now Germany. She married a nobleman and had several children, although history has not preserved their names. Her husband enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, but Judith gently helped him to live a simpler life so that they could give a substantial amount of money to the poor. She taught her children to also live simply and to care for the unfortunate in their community. After her husband died and her children were grown, Judith sold all her possessions, entered a religious order, and devoted the rest of her life to helping the poor and sick. Her feast day is celebrated on May 5th.
In times of Pride and a lavish lifestyle, ask her to help you live a simple life.
These Patron saints when invoked can help you when the need arises. Also, teach your children to pray. You can keep the prayer very simple so it can be easy to remember and as your child ages, you can encourage them to develop the prayer. In addition, if you wish you can also give them added protection by buying the medal of their preferred patron saint and having it blessed.
