spiritual journey of mother francisca

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Life of Mother Francisca Del Espiritu Santo

Francisca de Fuentes, daughter of Simon de Fuentes and Ana Maria Tamayo del Castillo, was born in the City of Manila in 1647. Widowed and childless after a brief marriage , she dedicated herself to helping the sick, the needy and the young. In 1682, she received the habit of a Dominican Tertiary and took the name MOTHER FRANCISCA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO. She was joined by a small group, and a family of religious, founded in the Philippines as its beginning. Final approval came later, but the early years brought many difficulties. Francisca preserved. Her pioneering of a religious community for Filipinas, in the spirit of St. Dominic, wad based on a life of prayer, of penance and service for others. She herself set an example of these, and continued to guide and inspire her companions.

On August 21,1711, MOTHER FRANCISCA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO died at the age of 63, bringing to a happy end a life of deep fidelity, and leaving to the congregation she founded – the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena – a legacy of service to the sick, the poor and the young.

PRAYER FOR MOTHER FRANCISCA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO DE FUENTES

God, Our Father, You are glorified in You Saints, for in their lives we see the crowning of Your gifts. We commend to You the life and example of MOTHER FRANCISCA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO. She responded wonderfully to Your grace by a life of holiness. As a woman of the Philippines, she drew herself close to You in her service of the sick, the poor and the young. We ask this prayer in her memory You special help (mention favor request) May her holiness be recognized by the Church as an example of faithfulness for all the people of our land

We ask this through the merits of Jesus our merciful Savior and the prayers of Mary, Queen of the Rosary. Amen.

A Journey of Healing and Growth

Sacred Mothering: how to be a soulful mother on a spiritual path

For a long time I’ve lived two separate lives – a life of an unfolding spiritual journey and purpose and a life as an everyday mother, partner and housewife. The first one happens mostly within me and I get to share it here with you, my readers and online friends, but I don’t express much outwardly in my day-to-day doings. The second life happens in the hours when I’m not working on myself or writing down my discoveries and realisations – it happens when I pick up my son from kindergarten and we spend the afternoons together outside or at home.

Those two lives sometimes clash with each other and cause a deep sense of conflict within me. It is not that I am a different person, it is more that I find it really hard to implement what I’ve learned along my journey within my role as a mother .

My son continuously stands as a mirror and a teacher for me although sometimes I feel like a terrible student. I have recognised our relationship as a karmic one and we both have a lot to learn from each other and from being in such a close-tight relationship with each other. Mothering him is one of the greatest challenges in my life and certainly propels me to learn, grow and evolve although I often feel caught off-guard.

I’ve asked myself a hundreds of times, how could I improve our relationship and perhaps enjoy it more? How could I be more open, receptive and available for him? How can I continue on my spiritual path as an awakening feminine leader and at the same time tend to my son’s needs in a way that he’s content and happy with his life?

These are no easy questions and more likely than not it will take most of my lifetime to work out the answers. But that is OK because this is part of my spiritual journey. Hence I came up with the concept of Spiritual Mothering and Sacred Motherhood .

I would like to unify those two lives into one whole one. I’d like to continue on my journey but rather than learning from others mainly through inner reflection, I’d like to learn from my everyday life as a mother , partner and a person of this world. I’ve had to walk the inner path and it has brought me many revelations without which I wouldn’t go far now. But I’m noticing the need to shift from spending time in quiet self-observation to coming out of my shell and bringing out and embodying what I’ve learned in a more present way.

Being a mother is a big part of my life and so is my spiritual development. I cannot separate the two any longer, the pressure and conflict is too burdensome. Hence you will read more about my observations on being a mother on a spiritual path – a woman who tends to her spiritual practices as well as to her child’s and family’s needs without compromising her relationship with herself too.

Sounds like a lot, ha? My comfort comes from the knowing that our ancient mothers have done this before me. I trust that this is our innate nature. By coming back to our roots and accessing  the inner knowledge that we all have, we will remember how to be soulful mothers .

I believe that as modern women we desperately need this knowledge and the memories of our ancient mothers so that we could raise our children mindfully with love and respect without disconnecting from our true selves , femininity and spirituality.

And we very well may change our world and the lives of our children for the better.

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Vilina Christoph

Vilina Christoph is a spiritual writer and uses the power of words to help others on their journey of healing and recovery. She distills challenging life experiences into meaningful lessons and practical wisdom. She believes that finding our voices and speaking our truth empowers us to transform our lives and reach long-lasting fulfillment.

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Congregation of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother

Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi

We are the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi, a religious community of women who desire to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through our profession of poverty, celibate chastity and obedience, we seek to further the kingdom of God.

The Rule and life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis is our foundational rule. We follow Jesus as Franciscan religious, according to the vision of our foundress, Venerable Mother Frances Streitel of the Cross.

We revere Mary, Mother of Sorrows, whose title we bear, and we look to Mary, virgin and mother, as a model of faith, contemplation of God’s word, humble discipleship, and tender compassion (Our Way of Life # 1-3)

Our Origin   

Our origin is embedded in the spiritual journey of this woman who is known today as Venerable Mother Frances Streitel of the Cross; whose quest of faith was to know and to do God’s will. First in 1866, the then named Amalia entered the Franciscan Institute of Maria Stern and became Sr. Angela. Then in 1882, Sr Angela experienced an interior call to leave and go to Carmel, she receives the habit and is named Sr Petra. In June 1882, praying before the Sacred Heart, “In spirit I beheld two mountains rise… in one I recognized Carmel; in the other Alverno…Both mountains arched themselves into one…. The call I received sounded like this: “To unite the active life with the contemplative”.   

Sister Petra realized God was calling her to something different. She left Carmel. In 1883, Mother Frances Streitel, attentive to God’s action in her life and eager to do His will founded the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.

Link: Mother Frances website

Our Charism   

  “To unite the active with the contemplative”. (Letter 39# 8) Fidelity to our charism continues to shape our specific mission within the Church. This faithfulness calls forth continual renewal of spirit, development of our charism, and appropriate adaptation to today’s apostolic needs that are integral to our spiritual heritage.   

“Prayer and work must go hand in hand and like twin sisters, strive to remedy the spiritual and social misery of mankind, teaching it again what it means to pray and work”. Letter 39 (86), # 8

The elected General Council includes (from right to left) Sr. Samuela Maria Rigon, General Superior; Sr. Julie Marie Peters, Assistant General Superior; Sr. Maria Vinton, General Councilor; Sr. Anna Maria Buchini, General Councilor.

Wise leadership proceeds from the awareness that “all authority comes from God” (Romans 13:1) and it is a sacred trust that must be exercised with accountability.

Regional and Delegation Superiors

Sr. M. Arminda de Paula Camargo Delegation Madre Francisca Streitel (Brazil)

Sr. M. Beate Nieberler Delegation Deutschland (Germany)

Sr. Elisabeth Maria Knapp Delegation Österreich zur hl. Theresa von Avila (Austria)

Sr. Gillian Angela Marie Jerome St. Francis of Assisi Delegation (Caribbean)

Sr. M. Lois Bush St. Clare of Assisi Region (U.S.A./ Dominican Republic)

Sr. M. Marcella de Marco Delegation Italy

Local Communities in Tanzania report directly to the General Superior.

What Is a Spiritual Mother?

Imagine God is sitting in a giant celestial rocking chair. You’ve had a horrible day and you know that you’ve messed up. God scoops you up and you curl into him and rest your head on his chest as he wraps his arms around you and rocks you back and forth, back and forth. Tears start to run down your cheeks. You are worn out. You are disappointed in yourself.

Suddenly, you feel God’s chest start to shake and you realize he is gently laughing. He kisses the top of your head and smiles as he exclaims, “My child, I delight in you!”

That, to me, describes the calling of a spiritual mother.

Any woman can be a spiritual mother, young or old, single, consecrated, or married. As Colleen Carroll Campbell states in her book My Sisters the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir , it’s “more about what’s in your heart than what’s in your womb.”

You can mother just about anyone you come across, the awkward coworker who is rejected by others, the neighbour’s daughter who keeps pestering you and who tries your patience, the elderly gentleman you often see sitting on the bench on Main Street, or your spouse who is having a rough day and is in one of those moods.

You may be called to simply listen, to offer a hug, to encourage, to keep others close in prayer, or to allow the Holy Spirit to nurture through you. There are a variety of ways in which you can be a spiritual mamma. Chances are that if you’re reading this blog, you’ve been working on your growth journey and you just might be ready to nurture others along theirs.

Qualities of a Spiritual Mother

A few years ago, I took an online Mothers of the Church course (see the Resources section below for more information). It blended psychology and spirituality, along with real life scenarios, in order to teach women how to be spiritual mothers in such a deep, beautiful, and practical way.

Through this course, I learned that a spiritual mother is a safe haven for those she encounters. She has a calm and accepting presence which makes her easy to approach. She radiates Christ’s love and speaks goodness and virtue everywhere she goes.

Although she wants what’s best for others, she is also able to accept them where they are. Instead of scanning for flaws, she scans for the good and points it out. She realizes that she does not know the full story behind someone’s actions and understands that they may be suffering. Even if she judges an action to be wrong, she does not judge the person. Instead, she reflects God’s mercy.

Those she encounters rest secure in her presence, knowing they do not need to be perfect to be loved. A spiritual mother sees the potential in others and ignites the flame of hope in them. She stands by them and supports them as they grow on their journey.

Those who are with her experience God’s love and a calmness in the midst of their storms. They experience a sense of peace and clarity which leads them closer to God and to doing his will in their lives.

A spiritual mother is there, even when there is nothing she can do. She bears witness to what others are going through, and by her presence, she states: “You are seen, you are good enough, you matter to me, and I delight in you.”

Challenges to Spiritual Motherhood

The calling to nurture someone’s heart and soul, as Chloe Langr describes spiritual motherhood (see Resources), comes with some challenges.

The Mothers of the Church course provided a powerful example. Imagine how Mother Mary must have felt after the crucifixion. The apostles had abandoned her son, and there she was, called to be their spiritual mother. She had to forgive them and move on. Sometimes, the people who need our mothering the most will be the ones to hurt us the most. Can we rise to the challenge of moving beyond our wounds so that we can nurture them?

Spiritual mothers also need to be secure in God’s love. A spiritual mamma cannot seek to serve for her own gain. If she does, she will find herself taking from others rather than giving to them. They may sense her neediness and walk away. She would do well to examine her motives. Is she seeking to receive love through this ministry, or to give love? Is she looking for a sense of self-validation, or following in Mary’s footsteps and being a humble servant?

Coaching Tools for the Spiritual Mother

As a spiritual mother, you will sometimes be able to coach someone in reaching their potential. I briefly studied coaching in my positive psychology training and I’d like to share a few tools with you in case they can be helpful.

Coaches excel in three areas: they ask powerful questions, listen deeply, and inspire others to maximize their potential.

Often, the one you are nurturing already knows what they need to do; they simply need a little guidance to help them uncover it. The best way to do that is by asking powerful questions such as:

• Can you tell me more about that?
• What’s working well for you at the moment?
• What’s important to you right now?
• How would you feel if the situation were the same five years from now?
• What would your life look like if this issue were resolved?
• What do you need?
• What can you do?

By asking open-ended questions that require reflection rather than close-ended questions that require a yes or no answer, a spiritual mother helps others process their thoughts, become self-aware, and gain clarity. By asking solution-focused, motivational questions, she helps them uncover a way forward.

A spiritual mamma listens deeply and gives the gift of her full attention. She is not thinking about what she will say next, her phone is tucked away, and her body language expresses that she is open (her arms are uncrossed, her body is turned towards the one she is listening to). She listens for the values behind what is being shared and paraphrases what she hears so that the other knows that she “gets it.”

By asking open-ended questions, listening deeply, and asking solution-focused questions, the spiritual mother guides while allowing the one she is with to grow in their own way, at their own pace.

Are You Ready?

It’s now time to roll out the safe haven mat and to prayerfully prepare your unconditional love and acceptance. It’s time to sit on that rocking chair and to welcome those who come your way with delight. Prepare to see God transform lives in beautiful ways, with your cooperation, Spiritual Mamma!

Reflection Questions

Inspiration for these questions comes from the Mothers of the Church course.

• As you look back on your life, who were your spiritual mothers? How did they make you feel? What qualities did they possess?
• You are likely already a spiritual mother, in a variety of ways, and to a variety of people. Reflect on how you are already living this calling, or have lived it in the past.
• Is there anyone you can think of who could benefit from your maternity? How could you be present to them?

More information on the Mothers of the Church course can be found on the Backpack Productions website. Don’t let the Year 1 and Year 2 wording scare you away. These are simply a series of video lessons that you can watch at your own pace. There is no homework other than reflection questions. You could easily get through all of the material in a month or two, but I encourage you to take your time with it so that you can absorb and integrate what you are learning into your life. While you’re there, check out their other courses. They offer both youth and adult programs and will soon be offering a Fathers of the Church course.

Colleen Carroll Campbell, whom I’ve quoted a couple of times, has a chapter in her book My Sisters the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir , in which she reflects on her infertility and what it means to be a spiritual mother.

I’ve also quoted from “ A Reflection on Spiritual Motherhood ” by Sr. Timothy Marie, O.C.D.

Chloe Langr’s beautiful description of a spiritual mother as being a woman who nurtures someone’s heart and soul comes from her blog post, “ How to be a “spiritual mother” whether you have kids or not .”

Pope John Paul II briefly speaks about spiritual motherhood in his apostolic letter Mulieris dignitatem: On the Dignity and Vocation of Women .

Pope Benedict XVI also speaks of spiritual motherhood and gives us the example of St. Catherine of Siena in his general audience message from November 24, 2010.

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A Reflection on Spiritual Motherhood

By: Sister Timothy Marie, O.C.D.

  “Spiritual motherhood, what in the world is that?”

Spiritual motherhood is a topic that more people are becoming aware of within the Catholic Church. Around the United States, retreats and conferences include this subject and new groups are forming to implement its practices.  Spiritual motherhood is about caring and self-giving.  It is other-focused.  Recessed in the nooks and crannies of our daily lives, if we open our eyes, we discover people who need spiritual nurturing, affirmation, and guidance, and don’t receive it.  This is spiritual motherhood, and it isn’t only for biological mothers.

We meet people every day – at the store, at work, at the doctor’s office. With our own families, sad to say, we often barely skim the surface in these relationships. We are either too tired, or too busy, or too indifferent. Consequently, there are so many things we may not notice about others.  And that’s a shame because from time to time all of us need other people’s advice, assistance, and encouragement. Many keep their confusion and indecision or lack of knowledge of God and the things of God hidden.

“How is your soul? Is it taking little steps toward heaven or is it flying there?”

These are the words of Mother Luisita, foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles – a woman who knew well and lived the meaning of the words, “spiritual motherhood.” This is a quote from a spiritual mother.  It asks about higher things.  It says, “Remember, for greater things you were born.”  It opens the avenue for spiritual conversations which lead to spiritual growth.

Spiritual motherhood is about nurturing life.  It is about helping another grow and develop into the person that God desires them to become. During the sacrament of Baptism, the godmother promises just that. She promises to nurture her godchild and companion him or her along life’s journey, with love, understanding, and spiritual guidance.

Part of what is known as the “feminine genius” is a certain empathy and inherent compassion of the feminine heart. Women can see deeper issues even when the exterior façade reveals “okay-ness.”  We can bring peace and discernment to others and confidence as well. These natural gifts can be fueled by supernatural grace to bring about peace and joy to countless souls.

One of the ways women religious live their consecrated life to the fullest is through spiritual motherhood.  When you ask sisters and nuns what drew them to the convent, to the cloister, many will respond with some variation of the idea that they recognized that God had created their heart for MORE.  The world sees what the religious woman gives up…marriage to one man, a family of her own children.  The religious woman sees what she receives, Christ as her Spouse, and all the peoples of the world as her children.   Marriage to Christ did not free her  from  a family but  for  His family.

Sisters throughout history have mothered countless souls in classrooms, in shelters and orphanages, at sickbeds, in the simple events of daily living, and in the most profound moments of human existence, including the sacred moment of death.  Religious women do this through their presence and most importantly through their life of prayer and sacrifice.  A cloistered nun mothers souls just as surely as an active sister mothers souls in the classroom or hospital.

There is a movement today which is asking all women, whether single, married, or in the consecrated life, to consider themselves as spiritual mothers, especially for priests.  You can learn more about  spiritual maternity by clicking here.   This beautiful movement is growing rapidly. It is greatly needed in today’s world.

In 2007, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy issued the document, “Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests and Spiritual Motherhood.” A quote from it reads, “The vocation to be a spiritual mother for priests is largely unknown scarcely understood and, consequently, rarely lived, notwithstanding its fundamental importance. It is a vocation that is frequently hidden, invisible to the naked eye but meant to transmit spiritual life.   You can read more of the Church’s thoughts on  spiritual motherhood in that document by clicking here. 

Mother Luisita, pray for us!

Mary, our dearest Mother, pray for us!

Jan 30, 2020 | Blogs , Carmelite Spirituality , Faith , Featured , Reflections , template-updated

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The Vocation of Spiritual Motherhood

In recent years, there has been greater recognition in the Church of the vocation of spiritual motherhood . It is a vocation formed in love: love of God and love of neighbor. Women of every age and in every state of life—single, married, widowed, or in religious life—can be spiritual mothers. However, it is not something a woman can do on her own, but only in union with God by spending time with Him in prayer.

The primary way of practicing spiritual motherhood is by intercessory prayer, but it can also involve service to others. A woman praying outside an abortion clinic, a woman visiting a person in a nursing home, a woman teaching a catechism class, and a woman serving a meal at a soup kitchen are all examples of spiritual mothers. This vocation is also lived out every day at home, at work, and in all of a woman’s interactions with others by her kindness and concern for people’s spiritual welfare.

An essential aspect of spiritual motherhood is described in these words by Saint John Paul II: “The moral and spiritual strength of a woman is joined to her awareness that God entrusts the human being to her in a special way. ” ( On the Dignity and Vocation of Women, 30 ) A woman who understands this will feel a sense of responsibility for others and will be committed to praying for all the people who are particularly entrusted to her, such as her family, godchildren, friends, and co-workers, as well as others in need of prayer. A woman’s awareness that people are entrusted to her leads her to entrust them to God. A spiritual mother is concerned about people’s salvation. She wants them to have a relationship with God, to live virtuously, to experience conversion, and to have the peace that comes from a life of faith. A spiritual mother also cares about people’s physical and emotional needs as well. She wants to bring healing to the sick, consolation to the sad, hope to the discouraged, and above all, to bring God’s love to everyone. A woman can be a spiritual mother to people of any age, including people who are older than she is.

Spiritual motherhood is not about treating people as though they are one’s children, and it is not about telling people what to do. It does not involve an attitude of superiority. A spiritual mother must be humble and aware that some of the people that she is praying for may be much holier than she is. It is possible for a woman to be a spiritual mother to people she has never met by praying for people she learns are in need of prayer, such as persecuted Christians.

There is a special vocation of spiritual motherhood of priests. In 2012, the Congregation for the Clergy wrote a letter asking laity and religious to pray in Eucharistic Adoration for the sanctification of priests and for women to be spiritual mothers to priests by offering their prayers and sacrifices for them. Although the Congregation also invited men to pray for priests, their specific request for women to do so may be related to the Church’s teachings on the complementarity of men and women. This might be seen as a form of spiritual collaboration. Through their prayers, spiritual mothers support priests in their vocation, as priests are engaged in their ministry to the Church. Priests are spiritual fathers and represent Jesus to others. Catholic women are spiritual mothers and represent Mary and the Church.

Mary, who was the first spiritual mother in the Church, and who is our mother, is the greatest example of spiritual motherhood. It is important to ask for Mary’s intercession for our own spiritual maternity and for all the people God has entrusted to us. Saint John Paul II described Mary’s role this way: “Putting herself at God’s service, she also put herself at the service of others: a service of love .” ( Letter to Women , 10 )

Many women experience sadness because they are unable to have children. However, they are still able to be spiritual mothers and have a service of love, following the example of the Blessed Mother. Women without children can be mothers by their prayers, by looking after someone who is sick, by mentoring a young adult or teenager, by helping the homeless, and in many other ways. As they pray to discern the way God wants them to be a mother to others, they will eventually discover a vocation that will bring them joy. I have discovered this in my own life. Although I do not have biological or adopted children, I am a spiritual mother to many people including my four godchildren and their families, my friends, and all the priests I pray for every day. My writing is also part of my spiritual maternity, as I seek to encourage others in living as faithful Catholics. I am very thankful to God for giving me the vocation of spiritual motherhood.

Saint John Paul II understood that women have a vocation of love: “For in giving themselves to others each day women fulfill their deepest vocation. Perhaps more than men, women acknowledge the person , because they see persons with their hearts. They see them independently of various ideological or political systems. They see others in their greatness and limitations; they try to go out to them and help them. ” ( Letter to Women, 12 )

For more resources on Spiritual Motherhood, see the site for The Foundation of Prayer for Priests as well as the book, Praying for Priests: An Urgent Call for the Salvation of Souls , which is available from Sophia Institute Press .

Image by JacLou DL from Pixabay

By Louise Merrie

Louise Merrie is a freelance writer on Catholic subjects. Her articles have been published in Catholic Life , Novena Magazine , and the Saint Austin Review . She is the founder of the Community of Mary, Mother of Mercy, an organization in which senior priests and Catholic laity support each other through prayer and friendship in living as disciples of Jesus.

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The Profound Influence of Spiritual Mothers and Fathers

These mentors and role models influence faith now and for generations to come..

June 13, 2022

Did you remember to make much of Mother’s Day during the month of May? Moms and grandmas warrant significant attention all year long but particularly on the day set aside each year to honor them. This is in no way meant to disparage mothers or Mother’s Day in any way, but it does seem anecdotally to get a little more gravitas than Father’s Day. Perhaps it’s because kids are still in school during May and teachers go out of their way to equip young children with all the hand-made handprint crafts to take home and share.

In terms of annual emphasis, spending on Mother’s Day trends towards $25 billion as opposed to $16 billion on Father’s Day. All comparisons aside, have you ever considered that it’s not just moms and dads who are being celebrated on their respective days? Rather than move completely past moms to shift our focus entirely to dads, what if we considered spiritual parents rather than biological mothers and fathers for a moment? There is an easy opportunity afforded to us in Acts 12.

Setting the stage, this interaction happens after the Apostle Peter’s miraculous escape from prison. Herod has arrested several leaders in the church, followers of the Way. James, John’s brother was put to death. Because the Jewish rabble found this favorable, Herod imprisoned Peter as well. As the church huddled up in homes and prayed for Peter, an angel of the Lord visited him, removed his chains, and led him out. Now free, he goes to the family home of his companion Mark. Here’s what happened:

When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” Acts 12:12-14

Mark, recognized as Peter’s companion, is unquestionably named by the early 1st and 2nd century church fathers to be the gospel writer.

Bishop Papias of Hierapolis claimed that Mark wrote his Gospel in Rome, ascribing the preaching of Peter.

Justin Martyr, writing in 150 AD, referred to the gospel of Mark as the memoirs of Peter.

Ireneus, writing in 185 AD, referred to Mark as the disciple and interpreter of Peter.

Peter, himself, accounted for the mentorship in his own epistle, referring to Mark as his own son.

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 1 Peter 5:13

Sidenote: Don’t get bogged down by any confusion regarding “she who is in Babylon.” Think of “she” as the church of faithful believers and “Babylon” as a codename for Rome. Both were really rough and wicked empires, so the correlation stands.

Did you read 1 Peter 5:13 and see the “son” part? There it is, a possibly ill-timed, indication of why this article features the idea of fatherhood. Was Peter offering up a twisty soap-opera surprise or Star Wars sized reveal? Was he “really” John Mark’s dad? Certainly not. The Greek word Peter used is definitely that of biological sonship but was also widely used to refer to anyone who depended on another or lived as their pupil or follower. As a spiritual son, Mark was a coheir in Christ. As the author of Peter’s gospel, Mark passed on to us the legacy entrusted to him.

That’s the remarkable thing about sonship, whether it be biological or simply relational. Sons receive. Sons pass. As parents, our biological kids are certainly on the receiving end of the equation. They gain our character traits, attributes, ideals, and eventually our inheritances. They also take on our sinful patterns and systemic problems, too. Mentorship and those who learn from us isn’t much different. Our spiritual sons and daughters are always gleaning and receiving and ultimately one day transmitting whatever it is they take from us.

Paul wrote so clearly, “ Follow me as I follow Christ ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The implication is that, as Paul sought hard to know and follow Jesus, anyone in his footsteps would both intentionally and inadvertently be moving closer to Christ.

Don’t consider only adoptive or biological children you may have or desire. Who are your spiritual children and are they moving closer to Jesus simply because of their proximity to you?

"Our spiritual sons and daughters are always gleaning and receiving and ultimately one day transmitting whatever it is they take from us. … Who are your spiritual children and are they moving closer to Jesus simply because of their proximity to you?" Nic Allen

Go back to Acts. Although this is likely her only mention in Scripture (Mary seems to have been a pretty popular name according to the biblical record, though — lots of Mary’s to keep straight), a lot can be gleaned from this simple passage. Plus, it is May after all. And she’s listed as a mother.

Being the mother of John Mark, she was likely the sister or aunt of Barnabas who was declared to be Mark’s cousin [sometimes interchangeably in antiquity his uncle] as referenced by Colossians 4:10. Barnabas was known as the “son of encouragement.” Fun fact about him: He donated the proceeds from a field he sold in Acts 4. He was a landowner, indicating wealth. According to this passage, Mary was a homeowner and had a servant girl, also indicating prosperity. The fact that Peter thought to go to her home, immediately after his miraculous release, meant that she was also known for hospitality and generosity.

The fact that Christian leaders were gathered in her home praying indicated her own faith as well. This faith would have been passed on to and entrusted into her son John Mark, who now followed along with and studied under Peter. Oh, the honor to have been the mom of a young man so closely connected to the core of apostles and founders of their faith-filled church.

There is certainly more happening in the life of young Mark than we realize. Consider his mom. Consider his cousin. Consider his mentor. Consider even who his other friends and associates were, being mentioned as a traveling partner of Paul as well. So far, we’re up a minimum of four. Add Silas and possibly Timothy. Now we have six. Line up the names in the remainder of Acts and even Romans 16. There really is no counting the number of people investing in Mark’s life as a believer.

Are you a mom or dad of kids living at home? Your kids need you, but they need more than you. Who is your son’s Peter? Who is his Barnabas? Who is his Paul? Who is your daughter’s Mary or Phoebe or Lydia?

Are you a faithful believer seeking to follow Jesus? Who are your spiritual sons and daughters? Who is your Mark or your Timothy? Who is your Rhoda?

Whether you are a parent or not, you are making an investment and leaving a legacy. Your memoir is the person you mentor, whether they write anything down or not. Who is your son in the faith? Who is your daughter in Christlikeness? What are you leaving them that will impact others in an equal or, better yet, greater measure of faith for generations to come?

Nic Allen resides in Nashville, Tenn., and pastors the Nashville Campus of Rolling Hills Community Church. He and his wife Susan have been married for 21 years and have three children, ages 9, 14, and 15.

Kingdom Men Rising speaks truth into a poorly defined and disoriented culture about the purpose and future of masculinity from a biblical perspective. In this Bible study, you will wrestle honestly with the unique questions and circumstances you face today and explore your own stories to reveal the true expression of masculinity — God’s intent.

Read a free sample .

Discover how the Holy Spirit’s presence and power transform how you lead and love your kids. You’ll be invited to wrestle through the question, Do I really know how to parent in the power of the Holy Spirit, or have I settled for parenting in my own power?

Spirituality For The Inner Life: St. Francis Of Assisi, Champion For Animals, Environment, Peace And St. Clare, Warrior For Women

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To be human and holy by following "the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ," otherwise characterized as "Christocentric ," is the most significant theme in Franciscan tradition. The Order of Friars Minor (OFM) was founded in the early 13th century by young wealthy sinner turned destitute saint, Francis of Assisi. William J. Short (OFM) known as Brother Bill, a scholarly Friar at the Franciscan School of Theology in California, advances in his book Poverty and Joy that even though Francis seldom referred to Jesus as Christ his spirituality and relationship with Jesus is what made the Franciscan tradition "Christocentric." Two friends who began their spiritual journey in tandem mirrored Christ's way of life, Francis and Clare, by embracing Jesus as the Incarnate Son of God and the most important focus for Franciscans. The dynamic holy duo became St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi and millennials favorite mentors. Affectionately called "Brother Sun and Sister Moon" in the beautiful Franco Zeffirelli Italian film classic entitled the same name, taken from the inspirational poem written by Francis The Canticle of the Creatures.

Francis and Clare were born to affluent 12th century families in Assisi, Italy, yet both chose to relinquish their earthly ties and commit their lives completely to Christ. In asserting that their different experiences were derived from Christ, Franciscan author Short effectively argues that they shared the same vision and purpose, each with a unique ministry. Their word and example ( verbo et exemplo) proved to be "Christocentric." Their conversion and "form of life" engendered the Franciscan movement which was a catalyst for the renewal of the Catholic Church at that time. Relevant in current times as evidenced by the Second Vatican Council's "call for religious families to return to the charism of their founders" and the "universal call to holiness" for all humanity.

Francis' personal conversion was a combination of many life experiences. Hearing from Jesus through the Gospels that "Jesus sends the disciples to preach the reign of God, instructing them to travel without silver or gold" caused Francis to cry out "this is what I want, this is what I desire, this is what I long for with all my heart." Seeing Jesus in lepers and experiencing "sweetness" instead of "revulsion" in their presence was an important stage of Francis' conversion according to the Testament he left before he died. Lepers moved Francis to understand the suffering of Christ in an intense, human way. Living in poverty and constant contemplative prayer, sometimes in his beloved hermitages, and at other times traveling on pilgrimages to faraway lands to preach the gospel were a distinct part of his way of life. Living the Gospel and a " Christocentric" life in every way humanly possible including love for all of creation was the foundation of the Franciscan order he established with twelve followers similar to Jesus and His Apostles. Francis experienced the ultimate "mirror" of Christ's human suffering when he was bestowed with the stigmata, the five wounds of Jesus.

While Francis was inspired by Christ, Clare's conversion was a fruit of Francis' conversion. She began her "form of life" saying "it was inaugurated by Francis himself to observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." She called her life a "mirror" of the Gospel. Clare and the community she established the Order of Poor Ladies (later called Poor Clares), lived the Gospel through a life of extreme poverty. Clare was a healer to those suffering from both physical and mental illness. An example of her humility was that she washed the feet of fellow sisters (nuns) as well as of poor sick people and she encouraged other women to establish religious orders like hers, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Mother Teresa, recently canonized St. Teresa of Calcutta, founded the Missionaries of Charity to serve "the poorest of the poor," a modern example of the sustainable impact St. Francis and St. Clare have on the world through their "Christocentric" ministries which continue to bear fruit, inspiring vocations and conversions globally. Even Pope Francis, a Jesuit, was inspired by St. Francis to take his name and practice Franciscan "poverty and joy." After observing Clare and her community in the 13th century for forty years, the Vatican finally approved her "Rule of Life, which was the first of its kind, written by a woman for women. Although Clare referred to herself as "a little plant" of Francis, one can say she grew into a holy feminist fruit-bearing tree for Christ. St. Clare was an incredible spiritual warrior, very beautiful and extremely courageous.

Francis loved and championed all creation from the tiniest piece of grass to the birds in the sky and deer in the fields. He even preached to them and more surprisingly where most animals would fly or run off, they listened and responded to Francis. Perhaps why this year his Feast-day October 4th is celebrated as World Animal Day. Francis is also beloved for his peace efforts including traveling with only spiritual armor to Egypt to broker peace with Sultan Al-Malik Al-Kamil during the Crusades. The Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi is:

Lord make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred...let me sow love. Where there is injury...pardon. Where there is discord...unity. Where there is doubt...faith. Where there is error...truth. Where there is despair...hope. Where there is sadness...joy. Where there is darkness...light. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek: To be consoled...as to console. To be understood...as to understand. To be loved...as to love. For it is in giving...that we receive, It is in pardoning...that we are pardoned, It is in dying...that we are born to eternal life.

Francis and Clare were like enlightened modern millennials, young "Christocentric" idealistic leaders desiring a better world, who through their example preaching and living the Gospel inspired others to follow the footsteps of Christ becoming the central theme of Franciscan tradition. Francis who chose to be a brother-deacon rather than a priest would proclaim, "preach the Gospel and if you must-use words." By surrendering their entire being to Christ, Francis and Clare obtained joy, humility, holiness and eternal life together where there is only "peace and good" -the signature of Franciscans.

In conclusion, I feel privileged to have visited the tomb of St. Francis at the Basilica in the charming village of Assisi while attending the canonization ceremonies of Mother Teresa in Rome one month ago. Assisi is one of the most awesome places I have experienced, especially the little sacred humble church where Francis, "the gay blade," received his epiphany and conversion while gazing at the uniquely painted San Damiano Cross. One can still gaze upon it and be inspired in this quaint chapel. This is where Clare lived in the convent and it was here on her deathbed she received the good news that the radical "Rule of Life" she wrote as the first woman to do so was approved by the Pope, a big step for women in the Church which we will discuss further in the future.

Recalling The Canticle of the Creatures : Praise to You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, Especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day and through whom you give us light... Praise to You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, In Heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Brothers and Sisters, Alleluia. Amen.

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Cultivated Zen

Spiritual significance of Mother’s Day

We traditionally see Mother’s Day as a time of flowers, cards, and breakfast in bed. Spending time with gestures to acknowledge the work done by our mothers to raise us. Yet, beneath the surface of these loving gestures lies a profound spiritual significance of Mother’s Day that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. 

Mother’s Day represents a range of deep spiritual themes about the birth, gratitude, and the power of feminine energy. 

Delve into Mother’s Day essence, exploring its roots and the universal symbolism of motherhood as a beacon of spiritual growth and nurturing.

“Motherhood is the ultimate confrontation with yourself. Whatever is there to discover at the bottom of your soul, whether dross or treasure, motherhood will help you find it.” Lisa Marchiano, Motherhood

Historical and cultural origins of Mother’s Day

The earliest celebrations of mothers can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where festivals were held in honor of mother goddesses. The Greeks celebrated Rhea, the mother of the gods, while the Romans had a festival called Hilaria dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess, around 250 BCE.

Anna Jarvis officially founded Mother’s Day in the United States. After her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, passed away in 1905, Anna conceived Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. 

The spiritual significance of Mother’s Day and motherhood

The day holds a deeper and spiritual connotation. It’s a testament to the universal reverence for a mother archetype, that symbolizes fertility, care, and the genesis of life itself.

The spiritual meaning of Mother’s Day extends beyond the physical birth and biological motherhood. Motherhood involves the nurturing of our existence and our relationship with the Earth itself. 

Mother’s Day offers a moment to reflect on nurturing forces in our lives, celebrating the spiritual mothers who guide, support, and enrich our spiritual journey. We may express deep gratitude for being brought into the world from our mother, and therefore nurture deep thanks for this moment and our life force. 

Motherhood and the Divine Feminine

The Divine Feminine is the recognition of the feminine aspect of the divine or sacred energy present in many traditions. It is deeply rooted in ancient mythologies, religions, and spiritual practices that venerated goddesses, female deities.

They highlight archetypal qualities associated with femininity such as nurturing, intuition, creation, and compassion. A counterpart to traditional masculine structures in society and patriarchal worship structures that have dominated many religious and spiritual traditions.

The Divine Feminine is often linked with fertility, creativity, intuition, and healing. These qualities are not exclusive to women; rather, they are aspects of the human experience that everyone can embrace and cultivate.

Engaging with the Divine Feminine energy is believed to facilitate healing of the mind, body, and spirit . It encourages a holistic approach to well-being that integrates emotional, spiritual, and physical health .

The Divine Feminine is also seen as a source of wisdom and guidance. A force that challenges deep insight into who we are, particularly in times of uncertainty or when guidance is needed.

The Divine Feminine invites us to explore and embrace a more holistic, interconnected, and compassionate approach to spirituality, emphasizing the importance of balance between masculine and feminine energies within the universe and within oneself.

On Mother’s Day, we can recognize the importance of this balance, and embrace the feminine in the universe. 

Jungian psychology and spiritual growth through motherhood

We’re huge fans of Jungian psychology at Cultivated Zen . It gives such a rich framework for exploring spiritual growth and definitely can apply to the receivers and givers of motherhood. 

The journey of motherhood mirrors Jung’s concept of individuation, where the integration of various aspects of the self leads to wholeness.

Indeed, Jung’s concept of the Shadow, representing the unacknowledged parts of our psyche, finds a unique expression in motherhood.  As Lisa Marchiano writes in her latest book ‘Motherhood’, “Motherhood is the ultimate confrontation with yourself. Whatever is there to discover at the bottom of your soul, whether dross or treasure, motherhood will help you find it.”

Indeed the complexities of maternal relationships can often bring our shadows to light. Often our neuroses in life can be driven by our relationships with our parents and how we managed the separation from the mother. 

“If there is anything that we wish to change in our children, we should first examine it and see whether or not it is something that could be better changed in ourselves” Carl Jung , Collected Works

Acknowledging and integrating these shadow aspects of ourselves can lead to profound spiritual growth, making Mother’s Day an opportunity for deeper understanding and reconciliation. The spiritual significance of Mother’s Day thus becomes a celebration of the ongoing journey of self-discovery and spiritual evolution that motherhood can ignite.

Practical spirituality in celebrating the spiritual significance of Mother’s Day

To honor the spiritual significance of Mother’s Day, consider incorporating practices that reflect the depth of the relationship between motherhood, the earth, and the realization of your highest self. 

Meditation sessions dedicated to the gratitude and recognition of all forms of motherhood is a good start. We’d also recommend giving your mother a gift that allows her to connect with the spiritual, even if that’s just a link to a hypnosis session on Spotify , or a yoga mat!

Rituals that honor the Earth as our universal mother are popular ways to engage in practical spirituality at Mother’s Day.  Mabon House recommends that as we move into Spring and the beginning of Summer, it is a good time to celebrate the fertility and abundance of the earth.  It’s also an opportunity for women to celebrate their own divine feminine power through connection to self, nature and community. 

Other methods include reflective writing on the lessons learned from maternal figures in our lives which can enrich the celebration with spiritual meaning.

Zen word on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day, in its essence, is a profound celebration of life, nurturing, and the spiritual bonds that connect us all. 

The spiritual significance of Mother’s Day is an invitation to honor forms of motherhood that enrich lives and spiritual journeys. As we navigate the complexities of these relationships, Mother’s Day stands as a beacon of reflection, gratitude, and deep spiritual connection.

Of course it’s also important to honour and give thanks to our mothers. If you’re lucky enough to have had a positive relationship with your mother and she is still around, then use this day to make her feel special and connect with her spirit.

Let her know that her nurturing and love were worth it. 

Stay zen folks. 

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III. Spiritual life flourishes among Filipinos

By the close of the 17th century the faith had blossomed in full as Filipinos yearned for a deeper religious life. Historian Schumacher considers this the “golden age” in the life of the Philippine Church, as it saw the emergence of the beaterios (mystical communities of the lay folk as described by writer Nick Joaquin), and the Filipino clergy.

The Monasterio de Santa Clara had been in existence in the Walled City since 1621. But it did not admit native women. Under the spiritual care of the Dominicans, five beatas lived together in a private home, praying the Rosary and doing mental prayers and spiritual exercises. Upon reaching 15 beatas, corresponding to the 15 Mysteries, the Beaterio de Santa Catalina was founded on July 26, 1696, with Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo as prioress. Construction at the convent later drew the ire of the governor-general, and soon the beatas clashed with the archbishop, who wanted to assert his authority. The beatas went to Santa Potenciana in exile. After negotiations, the archbishop had a change of heart and allowed the beatas to return. Mother Francisca brought back 16 beatas and agreed to observe the rules of enclosure.

Beaterio de la Compania in Intramuros

The next harvest was literally at the churchyard garden of the Augustinian Recollects. The Bulakeña sisters Dionisia and Cecilia Rosa Talangpaz sought a life dedicated to the Eucharist and the Lady of Mt. Carmel. The Recollects of San Sebastian Church obliged and gave them the habit of the mantelatas of the Augustinian Third Order on July 16, 1725. The sisters and two other beatas lived in prayer in a nipa house at the Recollect garden. Problems arose when more young women sought admission into new beaterio, forcing the Recollect prior to shut it down. Appeals softened the heart of the prior, and the beatas got back their habits and the nipa house. The Beaterio de San Sebastian finally gained royal recognition in 1756, but not before encountering opposition from government and religious authorities.

The Chinese mestiza Ignacia del Espiritu Santo initially planned to join the group of Dominican tertiaries, which later became the Beaterio de Santa Catalina. Mother Ignacia instead founded the Beaterio de la Compañia under Jesuit spiritual direction as she began to attract more followers. The beaterio, restricted by its directress to indias and Chinese mestizas, gained archdiocesan approval in 1732, but traces its roots to 1684 when she began work on her community after a spiritual retreat. It is said to be the first Filipino community to elect its officials through secret ballot. The perseverance of Mother Ignacia and her successors led to the beaterio’s establishment, more than a century and a half later, as the first indigenous foundation in the Philippines to become a religious congregation, known today as the Religious of the Virgin Mary.

San Lorenzo Ruiz and companion martyrs offering the Mass with Japanese Christians (San Miguel Corp.)

Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo

The confraternities, sodalities, and other religious associations also played a significant role in the religious and social life of Filipinos. The Santa Mesa de la Misericordia , formed in 1593, took the lead in the corporal works of mercy, its hooded members seeking alms for the poor. The brotherhood helped the poor, the orphans, and deserving students. It buried the poor, the abandoned, and criminals who had been executed. The Jesuits founded the Congregacion Mariana , or the Sodality of Our Lady, exhorting members to a deeper Christian life. The Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, founded by the Dominicans in 1590, produced Lorenzo Ruiz, the escribano of Binondo Church who fled with the Dominican missionaries to Japan to escape a false charge. In 1637, he was martyred by the Tokugawa shogunate for refusing to renounce his faith. Three hundred years later, he was canonized as the first Filipino saint. San Lorenzo would rather die a “thousand deaths” than deny the Savior.

Holy Week confessions in Bohol (Cuaresma coffee table book, 2000)

Another layperson, Pedro Calungsod, died a martyr in 1672, four years after he went with Fr. Diego Luis San Vitores and other Jesuits to evangelize the Chamorros in Guam. The young Calungsod was struck by a spear in the chest while protecting Padre Diego from two native attackers. Rumor had spread that the Jesuits’ baptismal water was poisoned, turning the Chamorros against the missionaries. Nearly three-and-a-half centuries later, Calungsod, the proto-martyr of the Visayas, was proclaimed a saint.

That the first two saints produced by the Philippines were laypersons is no coincidence. Schumacher writes: “The religious life introduced by the missionaries was not a diluted version of European Christianity … Not mere individual conversions were sought for, but rather the creation of a Christian community.”

Pope Francis prays before a mosaic of St Pedro Calungsod in St Peter’s (Nov 21, 2013)

I.  Spain conquers the Philippines with the Cross of Christ

Ii.  a church established by missionary zeal, iii.  spiritual life flourishes among filipinos, iv.  a filipino clergy emerges, v.  a missionary church for asia and the world.

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Enduring Fortitude: Unveiling Mother Ignacia del Espíritu Santo, the RVM Sisters, and Their Influence Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Eslit, E.R. Enduring Fortitude: Unveiling Mother Ignacia Del Espíritu Santo, the RVM Sisters, and Their Influence Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond. African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 2024, 4, 97–113, doi:10.51483/afjhss.4.1.2024.97-113. Eslit, E.R. Enduring Fortitude: Unveiling Mother Ignacia Del Espíritu Santo, the RVM Sisters, and Their Influence Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond. African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 2024, 4, 97–113, doi:10.51483/afjhss.4.1.2024.97-113. Copy

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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• Aug 9, 2023

Embracing the Spiritual Motherhood: A Journey of Prayer and Love

Updated: Sep 6, 2023

In the quiet corners of the Catholic community, a profound and often hidden bond is formed between lay women and the religious they spiritually adopt. This unique connection, known as the Spiritual Motherhood of Priests within the Regnum Christi and Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, transcends the boundaries of time and distance to nurture the spiritual growth of religious and strengthen the fabric of the Church. In this article, we explore the essence of this sacred calling and hear from those who have embarked on this heartfelt journey.

Understanding Spiritual Motherhood

Spiritual Motherhood is a beautiful expression of love and devotion that finds its roots in the essence of motherhood itself. Lay women, called spiritual mothers, take on the role of nurturing and supporting priests & religious through their prayers, sacrifices, and companionship. Just as a biological mother cares for her children, spiritual mothers offer their spiritual children – priests and consecrated women – the sustenance they need to navigate the challenges of their vocation and ministry.

Spiritual Adoption: A Profound Connection

Central to the concept of Spiritual Motherhood of Priests is the idea of spiritual adoption. This practice involves lay women committing to adopt a priest, offering their daily prayers, sacrifices, and intentions for his spiritual well-being, growth, and ministry. This bond goes beyond the physical realm, connecting souls through a shared commitment to holiness and the betterment of the Church.

The Essence of a Spiritual Mother in the Church

The concept of a spiritual mother in the Church extends beyond just the Spiritual Motherhood of Priests and Religious. A spiritual mother embodies the qualities of love, guidance, and care that we associate with motherhood. Whether it's biological mothers nurturing their children, consecrated religious women leading their communities, or laywomen embracing priests as spiritual sons, the role of a spiritual mother is a testament to the universal call of love and support within the Body of Christ.

Nadia's Testimony: A Heartfelt Connection

"It's funny; I've been praying for priests and religious since 1983. So when the Lord placed this call on my heart, I thought, 'Well, Lord, I do pray for them.' I didn't quite get it at first. I mean, they're all important. But it's different because they become like one of my own children. It's like God engraves their names into my heart, and they become a part of my spiritual life; they occupy a special place. I feel so privileged, thankful, and grateful to God for placing this call on my heart to be a Spiritual Mother for both my priest son and daughter." said Nadia, "Privileged because God gave me the opportunity to adopt one of His priests. Without them, we have no Sacraments. They really need our prayers and sacrifices. Our Heavenly Mother holds them very close to her heart. Grateful because of the great mission God has called me to, and thankful because I feel I receive so much more than anything I am giving them."

Johanne's Testimony: A Profound Connection to the Sacramental Order of Priesthood

"I am still flying high. First the mass, then the ceremony, the music, the inspiring words of Fr. Pierre, it was a holy morning. To me to live my life as a spiritual mother is a vocation, praying for my priest-son, for my consecrated daughter makes me a participant in the sacramental order of Priesthood of the Church. It activates the Kingdom priesthood that was given to me as a gift at Baptism and every day I live this gift in a concrete way." Johanne said, "There is another aspect of being a spiritual mother that is hard to put in words, it gives motherhood a whole new dimension, not just physical and emotional but spiritual, and just like physical mothers can relate to one another, spiritual mothers support one another, are linked to one another by the Holy Spirit and are guided by our own Spiritual Mother Mama Mary. We may not know personally all spiritual mothers everywhere but we know their hearts, and they know my heart. When we pray and sacrifice for our priest-son and our consecrated daughter we are never alone. May the Lord bless you and keep you always."

Virtual Witness: Cherishing the Beauty of the Morning Ceremony by Winnie Barnwell

"This morning ceremony was truly a beautiful one and in spite of the weather you had a great turnout. Father's talk captured the spirit of the occasion very well and I thought it was very nice that the Spiritual Fathers were invited to join in the picture."

The Spiritual Motherhood of Consecrated Daughters

New to our locality, the adoption of the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi is an inspiration that emerged from an encounter with a loving Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi. Her love for Christ and her openness and willingness to share this interior freedom with her fellow sisters in Christ during a retreat inspired the heart of one of the retreatants to pray for Consecrated women and all they do to build the kingdom of God. This seed of inspiration was shared with other women who yearned to pray for women who dedicate their lives to the Lord in building His kingdom. The Spiritual Motherhood for Consecrated Daughter was born from the hearts of these women.

The Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi is an international society of pontifical

right that has been approved by the Holy See. They compose an arm of the Regnum Christi

Federation. Their mission is to cultivate a dedicated life of deep intimacy with Jesus Christ

through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience lived in diverse cultural communities

(home - Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi ).

Who is called to this spiritual motherhood?

The Spiritual Mothers of Consecrated Daughters , inspired by the sacred heart of Jesus

and the love for the dignity and femininity of womanhood welcomes lay adult women who

would like to spiritually adopt a consecrated daughter.

What does it mean to be a spiritual mother?

A spiritual mother is a woman who will pray for her consecrated daughter daily and will

keep this relationship within her heart for her to only know. The relationship to your consecrated daughter is spiritual in nature meaning that it is not based on human connection. If others know the identity of your daughter or if your spiritual daughter learn of you then the relationship enters the human experience of relationships. To keep this relationship at a spiritual level then anonymity and secrecy is necessary (SMOP).

You will know your daughter by name, but you will never be introduced personally. You will

build your relationship with your spiritual daughter through prayer, specifically praying for her protection and for her fruitfulness.

Nurturing Souls: Strengthening Bonds Through Spiritual Motherhood in Regnum Christi

The Spiritual Motherhood of Priests and Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi is a profound calling that bridges the spiritual and earthly realms. Through spiritual adoption, laywomen offer their prayers and sacrifices to support and nurture priests and consecrated women on their spiritual journey. This act of love and devotion not only enriches the lives of these religious but also strengthens the bond of the Church as a whole. As we heed the call to become spiritual mothers, we participate in a sacred dance of prayer and love that resonates within the heart of the Church.

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MOTHER CABRINI - TIMELINE AND HER LIFE'S WORK

A Brief Timeline of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s Life and Work

• July 15, 1850: Francesca Cabrini is born in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy (about 20 miles from Milan). She is the 13th child of her family. Just before her birth, a flock of white doves fly over her family’s home.
• 1880: Mother Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSSH), comprised of 7 nuns in Lodi, Italy.
• 1889: Pope Leo XIII sends Mother Cabrini to New York City to serve the Italian immigrants and orphans
• 1909: Mother Cabrini becomes United States Citizen
• 1928: George Cardinal Mundelein verifies 2 miracles attributed to Mother Cabrini
• Nov. 13, 1938: Pope Pius XI decrees Mother Cabrini “Blessed” Beatified
• 1939: Two more miracles are attributed to Mother Cabrini's intercession leading her toward canonization
• July 7, 1946: Pope Pius XII proclaims Mother Cabrini a Saint, making her the first American Citizen Saint
• 1950 – Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is named Universal Patroness of Immigrants because of her efforts in helping immigrants around the world

Mother Cabrini: Child of God

“I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Born 2 months premature to a large family in Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano, province of Lombardy, Italy on July 15, 1850, Francesca Cabrini was in delicate health most of her life. As a young girl, she nearly drowned, resulting in a lifelong fear of water. Yet, she crossed the ocean 27 times, often at great peril, to continue doing God’s work. Even though she had this great fear of water, her passion to bring God to people and people to God is what overcame her actual fear of water.

Francesca Cabrini was educated at home by her older sister Rosa. Although frail from her premature birth, she worked fervently at her studies, and years later, after her parents died, she became a teacher. But from an early age Francesca Cabrini  was fascinated by missionaries who spoke of their experiences of spreading the Word of God in the Orient. Hearing these stories, she wanted to become a missionary but had been rejected by existing religious communities because of her poor health. However, a local bishop recognized her zeal and boundless energy, and encouraged her to start her own religious community. 

Thus were born the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Led by her passionate love for God and his people, and her zeal to make this love real in the lives of those she served, Mother Cabrini lived her life inspired by the words of Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”

POPE LEO GUIDES MOTHER CABRINI

"Not to the East, But to the West."

Over the next years, Mother Cabrini Her dedication, hard work and passion brought her to the attention of Pope Leo XIII, who helped Mother Cabrini realize .

After founding the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she spent some years developing the order and expanding their missions throughout Italy. She founded several schools, orphanages, and even supervised a hospital in her home country. 

Her boundless energy and missionary heart caught the attention of Bishop Scalabrini of Piacenza. He spoke of her with Pope Leo XIII. Her lifelong desire of becoming a missionary to China was not to be in a way she, or anyone else, would expect. Both felt that Mother Cabrini’s true path led to America, where millions of Italians had already emigrated. Many of them were in need of basic education and healthcare and a way to practice their faith in the New World.

It was Pope Leo XIII who said to Mother Cabrini, “Not to the East, but to the West”. So it was that she and 6 of her sisters embarked for America in 1889, leaving Codogno by train, arriving eventually at Le Havre, where they would depart on the good ship Bourgogne with 1500 other immigrants bound for New York City.

The Sisters traveled in second class. Their daily journals speak of rough seas, constant seasickness, and the difficulties of those traveling in third class, whose accommodations they described as “no better than a stable.” Yet despite their discomfort, the Sisters spent their days helping out the less fortunate on the vessel. Freezing weather and a near deadly storm followed the ship on its 12-day trip across the Atlantic. When it arrived in New York, the weather was warm, the day clear. And Mother Cabrini’s work in the New World was about to begin.

God is in the Details

Mother Cabrini’s Business Acumen

Mother Cabrini, The Universal Patron of Immigrants in the Catholic Church, was known for her love of God and her service to His people. She was also a shrewd business person who paid close attention to the details of each institution she founded. One story centers around the purchase of the building at the site that would become Chicago’s Columbus Hospital. Mother Cabrini doubted the accuracy of the property measurements listed in the real estate contract and thought she was being cheated. In the middle of the night, she and her Sisters tied shoestrings together to create a makeshift tape measure. Sure enough, they discovered mistakes, and adjusted the contract, in their favor, accordingly. Columbus Hospital went on to become a pre-eminent healthcare institution in Chicago for the next 97 years.

Mother Cabrini Begins Her Work

Her First Trip to New York City

When Mother Cabrini first arrived in New York City with her Sisters in 1889, they soon found the bustling city not very welcoming. Far from their home in Codogno, Italy, and unable to speak English, they were still full of hope and anticipation for their missionary work. However, their New York hosts had not fully prepared for their visit. As a result, their first night in New York found the sisters huddled in a filthy room in the Italian ghetto, as their lodgings had not yet been readied. The next thing they discovered was that their missionary stipend, the money they needed to live and eat, was also not available to them. Undaunted, the Sisters went forward with their work. When necessity called, they would beg for food and supplies door to door in the Italian neighborhoods of the lower West Side.

It was not long before benefactors came forward, inspired by the tireless efforts of the Sisters. Valuable property near 59th Street was donated by the wealthy Countess of Cesnola. The sisters soon opened an orphanage there, and it also became their living quarters. Within two years, the sisters helped open Columbus Hospital on East 19th Street and secured land for an out-of-town home for the orphans in upstate West Park, New York.

Mother Cabrini’s success in New York soon brought her to Chicago, which faced many of the same immigrant issues. Chicago’s poor but growing Italian Community desperately needed schools for the young, and better access to healthcare and spiritual guidance.

Expanding Her Scope

From New York to South America and Beyond

It did not take Mother Cabrini and her Missionary Sisters long to establish remarkable success by tirelessly working with poor Italian immigrants wherever they lived. They delivered basic education, healthcare and spiritual guidance to poor Italian communities across the United States. So amazing were the results of their efforts that they became in demand everywhere Italian immigrants settled.

The great emigration of the late 19th and early 20th century saw millions of Italians leave their own country and relocate to North and South America. In the US, there were large colonies in New York, the Midwest, Colorado and on the West Coast, anywhere labor was needed for factory work, building railroads, mining metals or farming. Wherever these settlements were established, Mother Cabrini and her Missionary Sisters were called to tend to their physical and spiritual needs.

Not long after Mother Cabrini’s success in New York, leaders of the Italian church requested that she expand her missionary work beyond the East Coast. By 1895, she had traveled to many cities in North America and had even been to Nicaragua to establish a school there for Italian children. To accomplish this, Mother Cabrini needed to attract more women to join the Missionary Sisters, which she did through the example of her endless energy and devout piety. Those who joined her order over the next two decades would soon swell to an amazing number worldwide.

The Missionary Sisters in New Orleans

Facing the Yellow Fever Epidemic

In the 1890s, the large Italian community that had immigrated to New Orleans faced prejudice and fear from local residents. That fear eventually led to violence and the killing of a group of Italian men. Mother Cabrini and her Missionary Sisters were asked to visit the city to intercede. What they found was the entire region caught in the grasp of a yellow fever epidemic that had claimed the lives of many Italian parents. The Sisters soon established an orphanage there to care for the children, though they themselves were exposed to danger from the deadly disease. They faced these difficulties willingly in the true missionary spirit of their order.