Love Your Mother

In the heart of Sioux City, Iowa, at St. Boniface Grade School, the year was 1955. The world outside was changing rapidly, but within the walls of Sister Mary Claire's second-grade classroom, time moved to the rhythm of prayers and lessons learned from well-thumbed textbooks.

It was here, in this haven of learning and faith, that young Kathy Dennison sat, her gaze often drifting to the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary that stood proudly on Sister Mary Claire’s podium. The words "Love your mother" inscribed beneath it seemed to echo through the room, stirring thoughts and feelings in the young girl’s heart.

One cold February day, Sister Mary Claire noticed Kathy’s contemplative stares and took it as an opportunity to impart a valuable lesson. She walked over to Kathy’s wooden desk, the heels of her sensible shoes clicking softly against the linoleum floor.

“Kathy,” she said with a gentle tone, “I see you looking at our Holy Mother Mary quite a bit. Is there something on your mind, dear?”

Kathy looked up, her pigtails swinging slightly. “Yes, Sister. The sign says to ‘Love your mother.’ I was thinking of my mom and how much I love her.”

With an understanding nod, Sister Mary Claire responded, “That love you feel for your mother is a precious gift, Kathy. And our Blessed Virgin Mary, she is like a mother to us all. She cares for us, watches over us, and guides us to her son, Jesus.”

“But how can I show Mary that I love her?” Kathy inquired, her young mind eager to understand.

Sister Mary Claire knelt beside Kathy, bringing herself to the young girl’s level. “You can love Mary by imitating her goodness. Be kind to your classmates, listen to your parents, and say your prayers with a sincere heart. Mary was the epitome of grace and love. When we follow her example, we show her love.”

Kathy, with the earnestness of a second-grader’s faith, asked, “And Mary, does she love me too?”

“Without a doubt,” Sister Mary Claire assured her. “Mary’s heart is full of love for all her children. She is always with us, especially when we need her most. Remember, when you honor Mary, you are learning to love as Jesus loves us.”

Inspired by Sister Mary Claire’s words, Kathy found a new sense of connection to the Blessed Virgin. She started to spend a few quiet moments each day gazing at Mary’s image, talking to her in her heart, feeling the comfort of her presence.

And as the seasons turned at St. Boniface Grade School, the lessons of love and faith taught by Sister Mary Claire took root deeply in Kathy's life. With a newfound devotion to Mary, Kathy grew in kindness and virtue, her love for her mother and the Blessed Virgin intertwining like the threads of a beautifully woven tapestry.