Dear Cindy,

You definitely do not need an excuse for sending the Prayer List one-day late, if for one good reason, let’s pick the one that says that people on the last list could probably all handle another day of prayers on their behalf. There is much overlap anyway. 

I am delighted to read you had a great day with daughter, niece, and the rest of your family, but especially because you made the trip to Denver and back unscathed.

Let me take this opportunity to wish a Happy Mother’s Day (and since I’m sending you only a gift of the heart, it is very “uncommercial”) to all ladies of CSL who have either given birth or acted as a mother to others (I have an aunt like that as well). May you all be recognized by having a great and peaceful day.

Lovingly,

Br. Jérôme

On May 11, 2025, at 02:51, Cindy Page <cindypage2326@gmail.com> wrote:



Dear Abbess, Sisters and Brothers,

I confess. I forgot to send the prayer list yesterday. But I have a great excuse: I was gone all day to Denver (over an hour drive each way on I-25 -- a two- up to 5-lane interstate nicknamed "the highway of death" because it's jam-packed with mostly mega-pickup trucks going too many miles over the speed limit) for my niece's baby shower -- she's expecting identical (they can tell that now -- from the start!) twin boys! But before that event, I got to spend some quality time with my daughter Ellie and her wife, who also live in Denver. It was a lovely way to spend my time this Mother's Day weekend. (Thank you, Sr. Clare, for the reminder to email the prayer list!)

Mothers have been celebrated on a certain day for centuries. Wikipedia informed me that "in the United States, the modern version of the holiday began in the early 20th century at the initiative of a woman named Anna Jarvis. She organized the first Mother's Day service of worship and celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, which serves as the International Mother's Day Shrine today." Who knew? It's also interesting that "Jarvis herself, who began the celebration as a liturgical observance, regretted the commercialism that has developed around Mother's Day. In response, Constance Adelaide Smith successfully advocated for Mothering Sunday as a commemoration of a broader definition of motherhood in many parts of the English-speaking world."

I've had some wonderful Mothers in my life, and I honor them all. I agree with whoever said, "You can never have too many mothers." My Mom was wonderful, and my Aunt Joan was my "other mother" growing up. I've been graced with several more mothers over the years since. You know who they are, those who love you unconditionally and help you become the best version of yourself. They are precious, and well worth celebrating, not just on Mother's Day.

Peace,

Cindy

--

"Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life."               

                     The Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 72:11-12

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