I find it so appropriate that we celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in spring  —  a time of new beginnings, of hope, of birth and renewal. Our parents are our first teachers, and so much of what we do as children and even as adults, we learned from the example they set. The prayer at the conclusion of the baptismal rite says, “… May the father of this child together with his wife, by word and example, prove to be the first witnesses of the faith to their child …” (order of baptism 105)

It was my parents who first showed me the face of God’s love for me. They are the ones who taught me how to pray the Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary. They showed me by example how to attend Mass, and they brought me to my first reconciliation, first holy Communion and the sacrament of confirmation. I am eternally indebted to the Catholic faith and way of life they handed on to me (even though I wasn’t always the most appreciative child at the time). 

The seeds of our Catholic faith are most often planted by our mothers and fathers and grow within our families. That is why the family is so integral to the life of the Church, and it also is why the vocation of marriage is truly a sacred call.

Last spring, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly in St. Peter’s Square. As he celebrated Mass on June 1, he said that families are “the cradle of the future of humanity.” He also stated, “The Church tells us that today’s world needs the marriage covenant in order to know and accept God’s love and to defeat … the forces that break down relationships and societies.”

I wholeheartedly agree with Pope Leo. Rearing children in our beautiful Catholic faith is one of the greatest gifts parents can bestow. Whether you’re a traditional married couple, a blended family, a single mom or dad, or even a grandparent raising grandchildren, setting a foundation rooted in faith provides your children with the tools they need to live their best lives: the love of God and love of neighbor, values to guide them, resiliency to handle whatever life brings, and the truth in knowing how valuable they are, that God loves them beyond comprehension. So much so that he gave his only begotten Son so that those who believe in him might have eternal life. 

Now let’s be honest, no one ever said parenthood is easy. It’s probably the toughest job anyone has ever had, or ever will have, and in today’s world, even more so. I think that challenge was beautifully described by this year’s best actress Oscar winner Jessie Buckley of Ireland for her role in “Hamnet.” In her acceptance speech, she said, “To understand the capacity of a mother’s love is the greatest collision of my life. It’s Mother’s Day in the UK today, so I would like to dedicate this (award) to the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.” 

Jessie thanked her parents for supporting her in carving her own path and following her passion; her husband, whom she called an incredible dad and her best friend; and then addressed her 8-month-old daughter Isla saying, “I love you and I love being your mom, and I can’t wait to discover life beside you.” I’m betting Jessie’s Catholic upbringing has had an indelible influence on her and her choices as an acclaimed artist, wife and mother.

In an address to parents last October, Pope Leo encouraged them to be “examples of integrity to your children, acting as you want them to act, educating them in freedom through obedience, always seeing the good in them and finding ways to nurture it.” He emphasized the family’s role in transmitting faith, saying that “in the family, faith is handed on together with life, generation after generation. It is shared like food at the family table and like the love in our hearts.”

As you honor and celebrate your mothers and fathers or those who have influenced your life in a parental way, thank them for passing on the priceless gift of the Catholic faith. And if you’ve discovered Catholicism on your own or through others who inspired you with their faith, be sure to reflect that gift. Live your life in a way that makes others want what you have — the love, strength, conviction, joy and peace that come from following and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

May God bless you and those you love.