Celebrating the gift of motherhood
By Wendy Shaw
Parishioners at Burnie-Wynyard came together in thanksgiving, celebrating the gift of motherhood and the blessings of family life at Mother’s Day on 10 May.
The celebrations continued after Mass at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Burnie, with musical items, tea and cakes, and a sausage sizzle from the Knights of the Southern Cross, to give thanks for the love, sacrifice and vocation of mothers.
Burnie Parish administrator Fr Jessie Banez said that in the busy-ness of everyday life, it was important to pause and acknowledge the loving contribution of mothers.
“Mother’s Day is a significant day to recognise the sacrifices [of] spiritual and biological mothers,” Fr Jessie said.
“It is also the month of May, which the Catholic Church dedicates to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who brings new life into the world.
“Our Burnie-Wynyard Parish is a Marian parish and Mary, Star of the Sea is one of the churches.
“The Sisters of Mercy who work in Burnie schools [highlight] this motto using the words of St Bernard, ‘Look to the star and call upon Mary’.
“Mary’s protection and care is felt by our parishioners here. Thus, we dedicate this day to all the mothers of our parish. Through Mary, may they become the light of every home and be provided with utmost care in every family.”
The event was also an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many mothers of the parish who had faithfully served the community over many years, including the contribution of Kendra Boyd for more than 36 years, Fr Jessie said.
After the Mass, Fr Jessie sang ‘You are the Sunshine of My Life’ and parishioner Anthony Fawcett sang ‘Ave Maria’, “to dedicate every mother to Mary”.
“The month of May, which is the month of Mary, helps us to remember the mother of all the mothers,” Fr Jessie added.
“We find, through her, loving care and protection for humanity.”
The celebrations were organised by volunteers, led by parishioners Glynis Martin and Jane Kuys, as well as Cedric Martin, Peter Beskin-Clark and Kim Yap.