As May is the month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it’s especially fitting at this time to invoke Our Lady’s intercession for her priestly sons.

On this Mother’s Day, let us also remember to pray for the mothers of our priests, seminarians, and those contemplating a vocation to serve the Lord and His Church. May they be eternally blessed by the gift of their sons!

Here is an inspiring prayer by St. Teresa of Calcutta, asking Our Lady to take special care of our priests:

Mary, Mother of Jesus, throw your mantle of purity over our priests.

Protect them, guide them, and keep them in your heart.

Be a Mother to them, especially in times of discouragement and loneliness.

Love them and keep them belonging completely to Jesus. 

Like Jesus, they, too, are your sons, so keep their hearts pure and virginal.

Keep their minds filled with Jesus, and put Jesus always on their lips, so that he is the one they offer to sinners and to all they meet.

Mary, Mother of Jesus, be their Mother, loving them and bringing them joy.

Take special care of sick and dying priests, and the ones most tempted. Remember how they spent their youth and old age, their entire lives serving and giving all to Jesus.

Mary, bless them and keep a special place for them in your heart.

Give them a piece of your heart, so beautiful and pure and immaculate, so full of love and humility, so that they, too, can grow in the likeness of Christ. 

Dear Mary, make them humble like you, and holy like Jesus. Amen.