Mother's Day Message 2024

Have you ever wondered how Mother’s Day came about?

Well, I did, and here is what I found on the History.com website.

“Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day traditionally involves presenting moms with flowers, cards, and other gifts.

Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

Following the success of her first Mother’s Day, Jarvis—who remained unmarried and childless her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar.

Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.”

In reading this, it brought to mind, our own “Mary Virginia Merrick” who saw the Christ Child in every child. Mary also saw how the moms in need had to sacrifice many things to provide for their children. So, she gathered her family and friends to sew much needed clothing for the newborns, which started the Layette programs we have today. 

I want to Thank all of you on this very special day, Mother’s Day, to not only celebrate you and your families, but also all the children across this great nation that you serve as “Christ Child Moms”. May the precious Christ Child Bless all of you, for providing help, creating hope, and serving those who are need.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Angela Schneider

President, National Christ Child Board