When I visited St. Peter's in Rome, it was large and at first overwhelming, but we loved it so much, my husband and I returned the next day. What was a surprise to us was this smaller scale statute we found in our exploration called the "Pieta". This one caught our attention for a couple a reasons. At first glance, the beautiful marble used in this masterpiece seemed cold and hard but taking a closer look at it, it was quite the opposite. It radiated warmth and its lines and curves took on the appearance of human flesh softness. We both marveled at this piece of art work by Michelangelo and our hearts were deeply moved. Michelangelo's portrayal of a Mary holding a lifeless Jesus is truly beautiful and extremely heart wrenching.

The expression on Mary's face tells each visitor that gazes upon it, the heartfelt story of a mother who loves her Son so much that nothing was going to take away this sacred moment... to hold her Son one last time in her arms. The experience made me instinctly say a prayer for all of the mothers who suffer the loss of a child/children and then immediately gave thanks to God for my mother, my grandmothers and my godmother, all of which made an impact in my life. But as I was getting ready to move on so that other visitors could enjoy this artwork, I took another good look at Mary's face (I have to admit a little teary eyed) and my ears heard her whisper to me, "He died for you. I don't blame you for my pain. I only do God's will. Decide today to love as Jesus loves, forgive as Jesus forgives you and learn to live a life in God's will." The next thing I heard was my husband saying, "lets go on."

As you celebrate Mother's day, whether its a happy or sad day, pray to our wonderful mother Mary to help you in need and guidance just like St. Louis Marie Grignion de Monfort did and later Blessed Pope John Paul II, This was his prayer to Mary, the Mother of God, "I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart." Happy Mothers Day!