MOTHER’S BLESSING.

Dear brothers, sisters and viewers of the web site www.barkuronline.com,

Two years ago Mr. Ronald Olivera, a great Konkani story writer, wrote a beautiful story called “Sorgavoili Mai.” It was published in the Mangalore Diocesan weekly newspaper “Raknno” July 5, 2001. I hope many of you had an opportunity to read it. When I read it, it brought tears to my eyes.

It is true that the blessings given by our mothers, in the name of God, will always have a great effect in our lives. That beautiful story applies to those of us working in foreign lands and also those who are far away from home. I left home at the age of 18 to enter the seminary in Pilar, Goa and for the first time I realized how important those blessings were in my life. They came from my mother’s heart as she blessed me saying; “Devachem Besanv putha.” Often our mothers become tearful when they see their children leave and go far away from home.

I recall receiving many blessing from my mother. The most important blessing she gave me was on the day of my ordination to the priesthood. I have a photo that was taken when she blessed me and it has a special place in my office so I can see it everyday. Though eleven years are long gone and many more will pass that special blessing has made a big difference in my life. After her blessing I then received the sacramental grace, through my priestly ordination, to bless the faithful people in God’s Holy Name. When I look back on my eleven years as a priest only God knows how many thousands of people I have blessed and will continue to bless in the future.

A mother’s blessing can have a divine impact on one.

Every year during the month of May we celebrate Mother’s Day. It is important that we remember our mother’s on that day and send them our wishes assuring them of our love, prayers, and support. The love of a mother for her children can never be measured by any yardstick. Her love is unconditional and she gives herself totally for her children from the moment of their conception.

Both parents rejoice and look forward eagerly to receiving a new baby into their family. We need to honor our parents and respect them in every way because they have made many sacrifices for our sake. In the Bible one of the ten commandments is about respecting our parents. It says; “Honor your father and mother.” In a similar way in Upanishad (Hindu Holy Scripture) we read; “Mathr Devo Bhava, and Pithr Devo Bhava.

Let us not hesitate to receive blessings from our parents as often as we can. Those blessings can be a source of comfort to a sorrowing heart and joy to a rejoicing heart.

Long live our Blessed Mothers and Fathers.

God Bless,

Fr. Tony Andrade.