The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This devotion highlights Mary’s virtues, purity, and love, especially her maternal love for Jesus. A mother’s love knows no bounds, particularly the love of a mother caring for a child with a disability or mental illness. When I was in grade school, I would sit on the school bus with a young man who lived with Down Syndrome. As I grew older, he would visit me at Blockbuster Video, where I worked in college. His mother was always patient and kind as he carefully looked through the videos. Her love for motherhood was evident, and she witnessed sacrificial love to those around her. As a mother of children with disabilities, I understand the hearts of parents who seek belonging in the church community. They desire for their children to attend Mass without being stared at because their child can’t sit still, talk loudly, or need a fidget to focus. Let us also remember the parents whose son or daughter lives with addiction, depression, anxiety, or other mental illness. Being a caregiver can be overwhelming. During August, let us pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for all parents and caregivers.
Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Discerning Hearts Podcast)
O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially those so deep in our heart.
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.
Amen.
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