The miracle of new life
As the Catholic Church celebrates the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus, this month, Anna Houghton, our supporter engagement officer for Liverpool, reflects on the birth of a child
Recently, a number of my friends have given birth to their first child – one even had twins! The miracle of a new life never ceases to amaze me. The preparations that are made ahead of the arrival of a new child, the joy and love that surrounds them after they are born. I remember preparing for the birth of my own son and how many material things we were told we would need. It was a whole new world to me, and one I found very overwhelming even after he arrived!
That's one of the many reasons I am in awe of those in the countries where we work, who carry their new babies on their backs as they go about their everyday lives. Whether it be fetching water, working in the fields or serving Mary’s Meals at one of our schools – all of these things they do with love, whilst carrying around and caring for their own source of joy and love.
The month of September is when the Catholic Church celebrates the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus, whom Mary’s Meals is named after. I find myself wondering how much preparation took place to welcome the birth of a woman who would change history in her own role as a mother.
From Madagascar to Ethiopia, Haiti to Zimbabwe – as I look at photos of those who are looking after children while they support Mary’s Meals, I give thanks that these extraordinary people are such incredible role models to the children in their care.
Extraordinary people like Grandma Alice, a mother of six in Zambia who lives with her husband and five grandchildren – and still finds time to volunteer for Mary’s Meals so that her grandchildren can eat a good meal at school. Caring for others is instinctive for Grandma Alice – she knows the importance of education to secure a good future for her grandchildren, and she wants to play her part in that.
This reminds me of the words of Pope Francis:
“Mary’s life shows that great deeds are accomplished through those that are the most humble.”
May we look to the humility of Mary and her example of unconditional love to ensure we too play our part, like Grandma Alice, in making the world a better place.
God bless you all,
Anna Houghton
Supporter Engagement Officer
Pray With Us:
- We pray, Lord, for new and expectant mothers, that they may know the joy that Mary felt in the arrival of her son.
- We bring before you, Lord, those who long to be parents, that they may find hope and peace in their lives and know how loved they are.
- We pray in thanksgiving, Lord, for all those who are a parental figure to the children who eat Mary’s Meals – especially those who serve food to these children. Bless them in their work, that they may know the life changing difference they are making to so many.
