INTERCESSION
May our Blessed Mother draw women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies close to her heart.
PRAYERS
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done,
on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
(3 Hail Marys)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is
the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
REFLECTION
In the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are given the model of motherhood. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, Mary accepted the invitation to be the mother of Jesus, who is “the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). Her unexpected pregnancy presented many challenges. Yet while the path laid before her was not easy, Mary chose to give of herself in sacrificial love.
Mothers with unexpected or challenging pregnancies can likely relate to the experience of our Blessed Mother, as they, too, often face difficulties in answering God’s call to welcome new life. Now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more challenges arise.
Especially during this and all times of difficulty and anxiety, we pray that Our Lady will draw pregnant mothers close to her heart and, through her intercession, bring comfort, encouragement, and joyful hope. In bravely living out their vocation, mothers reflect the sacrificial love of Christ on a daily basis. With the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life as our guide, may we work to support all mothers, especially those who are most in need.
ACT OF REPARATION
- Pray the “Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life” for all expectant mothers facing difficulties or challenges.
- Fast from television or social media for the day. Instead, spend time reflecting on how God is asking you to support pregnant women in difficult circumstances.
- Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
ONE STEP FURTHER
Read Pope Francis’ reflections on our Blessed Mother and the gift of motherhood in “Our Mother the Church and the Gift of Motherhood.”