Our founder, Mary Potter had clear ideas about motherhood which were not merely romantic, or tied to Victorian idealization. Having had a close and loving bond with a strong mother of her own, she knew the pain of breaking its constraints.

She clearly felt called herself to nurture (mother) many people and she visualized the greater Company of Mary, women and men who would continue this work by making Jesus known. To support us all in this lifework, she wrote encouragingly, and not only for mothers:

‘Angels are sent to help you, and you should keep in their company, and constantly recur to them. They are waiting to bring you gifts to enrich you. You must however, fulfill God’s Will and invoke their help. They do much for us that we shall never know in this world; but they would do more if we sought their assistance.’

(Venerable Mary Potter, God’s Human Family, p. 7)

If you would like to respond please send an e-mail to: kskeane@ericom.net

(Picture from Crib: St Colman's Church, Inishbofin, Co Galway

Photographer: M.Coyne)