Motherhood is one of the most rewarding yet challenging vocations a woman can undertake, and spiritual support is vital in helping moms build strong families that, in turn, bring us all closer to the Kingdom of God here on Earth.
The Northern Colorado Confraternity of Christian Mothers, a local chapter canonically established in 2019 and based in Fort Collins under the spiritual direction of Deacon Rob Lanciotti with more than 150 members, aims to unite mothers as they lead their families to the Lord so his presence can be felt through them. In addition to the community offered moms, the Confraternity also offers its members the benefits of shared prayer and holy sacrifices like special Masses and indulgences.
“Each day, we and thousands of other Christian mothers worldwide pray a particular brief prayer for our children and those of all other members,” said Colleen McDanald, president of the local chapter and lady national president of the Confraternity throughout the North American territory. “In this way, and by performing our duties to love, educate and raise our children well in the Catholic faith, we receive special graces that we share with all other members and their children.”
Dating back to 1850s France, the Confraternity came to America in the late 19th century with German immigrant Christian mothers.
“In 1881, their spiritual home in Pittsburgh became the home of the Christian Mothers in America, under the spiritual direction of the Capuchin Friars,” McDanald explained. “Since then, the Confraternity on the American continent has been served continuously by Capuchins, including Father Joseph Tuscan, OFM Cap., who is our current national director.”
The Confraternity places a huge emphasis on prayer and education (two of the principal duties for members), which is something the Northern Colorado Confraternity of Christian Mothers facilitates by offering a monthly guided holy hour and an annual retreat.
“Participating in the holy hours and praying with the Confraternity’s prayer book (Mother Love) has deepened my understanding of my vocation as a mother, my prayer life and my participation in Mass and Reconciliation,” said Lindsay Bertles, a member of the local Confraternity chapter.
The monthly holy hours, held at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Fort Collins, are comprised of four quarters and are directed by a priest or deacon.
“All quarters are followed by a time for quiet meditation, except the second, which is followed by a sermon,” Bertles explained. “Sermon subjects are on a variety of subjects that pertain to mothers, such as viewing motherhood as a special vocation, educating children in virtues and encouraging mothers in the midst of daily home life.”
After the holy hours conclude, a short meeting and social time further give mothers a chance to have community regularly until they gather for the annual retreat.
Their annual retreat, held in December at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish in Fort Collins, paid tribute to Our Lady of Sorrows, the Confraternity’s principal patroness. Retreatants spent time reflecting on the theme, “Completing in our flesh what is lacking in Christ’s passion after the example of the Virgin Mary,” which referenced St. Paul’s famous line in Colossians 1:24.
Nearly 100 attendees gathered for the day of prayer and reflection, complete with Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, confession, time for community and a talk from Father Angel Perez-Lopez, archdiocesan vicar for clergy and the pastor of St. Cajetan Parish in Denver.
“I was asked to come here because in God’s Providence, a member of this group heard another conference I gave, and she asked me if I could speak about the Virgin Mary,” Father Perez-Lopez said. “I hope that all of us can follow the example of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, and relive the mysteries of Christ’s life with a charity similar to hers.”
Later in the day, about 20 women were enrolled in the Northern Colorado Confraternity of Christian Mothers, committing to taking on the duties and receiving the benefits of this spiritual association.
“Through prayer leading up to the retreat, Jesus revealed to me the motherly love of Mary, and his love and graces for me were more apparent,” said Jaclyn Martin, a new member of the Confraternity. “When I was invited to attend the retreat, I originally went for mostly Mass and confession but realized I also desire to grow and strengthen myself as a mother, united more closely to Mary, Jesus and the fellow Confraternity mothers.”
Attendees were given the Seven Sorrows Rosary, made by volunteers, for continued prayer, reflection and spiritual growth.
Through their community prayer, witness and support of each other, the Christian mothers — both on retreat and those who were unable to join — continue to serve as a beacon of hope in this apostolic age. Pope Pius IX, who canonically established the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, put it well when he said, “Give me truly Christian Mothers and I will renew the face of the earth!”
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