For many Catholics, learning about God didn’t just start at home; it started with mom.
Just ask Fr. Angelos Sebastian, who has witnessed the impact mothers have had on children as pastor of St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo and Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Orange.
“From my own life experience and also having seen so many people in my life, the biggest influence a person has in his or her life is the mother,” he said. “The bond between the mother and the child is such a special bond that doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
In honor of Mother’s Day, OC Catholic wanted to acknowledge the positive influence many moms have on a child’s relationship with God. To do so, we asked six individuals to pen personal notes to their own mother figures, who had an impact on their faith journey. Allow their candid letters to uplift and inspire this holiday weekend.
TO MY MOM AND ST. CECILIA SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MARY ALVARADO,
You have brought faith into my life by always reminding me of the value of a Catholic education. Not only have you dedicated your professional career to Catholic schools, but you also always emphasized in our home the significance of receiving a Catholic education. You and dad have sacrificed so much over the years to make sure my Catholic education was a priority. College was the first time I made the decision on my own to continue my education at a faith-based school and I’m so thankful you guided me in that direction. Catholic education has given me a sense of belonging wherever I am. I’ve also been blessed to encounter such incredible people with whom I can share my faith and I attribute that to your dedication to a Catholic education.
Your daughter, Annie McNiff
TO MY MOTHER-IN-LAW AND ST. KILIAN PARISHIONER MARILYN BRENNAN,
You know I grew up in a faith-filled Presbyterian family, but when I moved to Mission Viejo in 1974, I began attending St. Kilian. I met my future husband there and you became my Catholic mentor. Up until your passing in 1994, you taught me about the beauty of being Catholic. Most inspirational of all was your love of the Eucharist. You were truly my inspiration for converting and I have never regretted my choice to convert as a teenager. I love being Catholic and am grateful for your love and strength in supporting my decision.
Your daughter-in-law, Kandi Brennan
TO MY MOM AND SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO PARISHIONER TESS ENYEART,
You are the strongest woman I know. Through everything you have undergone, you have remained so steadfast in your faith and relationship with God…You are my role model. You’re able to turn every situation into something positive and your spirit is contagious. I am forever grateful for the woman I have become because of your guidance and your dedication to our faith.
Your daughter, Sara Enyeart
SARA ENYEART AND HER MOM, TESS ENYEART. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
TO MY MOM AND HOLY FAMILY PARISHIONER EVA REYES,
For as long as I can remember, dad was taking me to Mass, and you were praying rosaries with me and showing me how to pray. As any young kid might think, I thought of the rituals and routines to be simply something that took away from my time to play with friends or video games. It wasn’t until I got older that I started to fully understand the importance of faith and having a relationship with God. In the highs and the lows, my faith is my anchor, and I am so grateful that you gave me the tools. Your life continues to be an example for me, and I will forever be grateful.
Your son, Nathan Reyes
TO MY MOM AND SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO PARISHIONER TINA MAY,
“Without you mom, I wouldn’t have completed the sacrament of First Holy Communion as an adult. Although circumstances prevented me from completing these important milestones as a child, you always prayed and had faith I would do so one day, and I did. In the summer of 1989, when I was 24, you handed me your rosary when I was leaving for Europe and told me to ask the pope to bless it. I remember laughing, ‘What made her think I’d be anywhere near the pope?!’ But off I went, rosary tucked into my backpack and remembering you had faith. When in Rome, I went to Vatican City and was told where to line up for a chance to see the Holy Father. There, Pope John Paul II did indeed bless your rosary. Your prayers and faith were absolutely rewarded.”
Your daughter, Gaby Peloquin
GABY PELOQUIN AND HER MOM, TINA MAY. PHOTO COURTESY OF GABY PELOQUIN
TO MY MOM AND ST. BONAVENTURE PARISHIONER MIRIAM STALEY,
Mom, I am so grateful for all that you taught me about our Catholic faith and always doing the right thing and treating others the way I would want to be treated. I have tried very hard to live my life in a way that would make you proud like attending Mass, teaching my children about our faith and praying the rosary at the start of long car trips. I learned from you how to be a loving wife and mother and God willing, grandmother one day. Because of all that you taught me, I learned that we are never alone. He is always there guiding us, and prayer brings us peace. I love you and miss you so much. I know that you are with dad watching over us from heaven. You’ve given me the greatest gifts: your love, your time and your faith and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Your daughter, Gayle “Kate” Delcoure
Lipsky
GAYLE “KATE” DELCOURE LIPSKY AND HER MOM, MIRIAM STALEY. PHOTO COURTESY OF GAYLE “KATE” DELCOURE LIPSKY