My mother passed away the year I turned 19. Eleven years after, when I was ordained as a priest, her absence brought about a sense of disappointment. I believe Fr. Chan must have similar feelings now that his mother could not attend his ordination.<br/><br/>

The year my mother passed away, a classmate said to me: "You still have a Heavenly Mother, Mary." His words could not have been more correct. This Heavenly Mother of mine really brought me to Jesus.<br/><br/>

A year after I graduated from the seminary, I had the opportunity to go to Lourdes in France to be a volunteer for the summer. There I asked Mary to give me a gift of grace that I longed for.<br/><br/>

Consequently, in six months time, I became acquainted with a spiritual group focused on unity, thereby changing my entire life.<br/><br/>

This Heavenly Mother, like all mothers in this world, left us with an attitude towards life that is worth imitating. For instance:<br/><br/>

"I am the Lord's servant, may His will be done on me." - humbleness and obedience<br/><br/>

"My soul glorifies the Lord" - praise for the Lord's work on us, from the bottom of our heart<br/><br/>

"They have no more wine." - attentiveness to other's needs<br/><br/>

Blessed be all mothers, to the greater glory of God.