This saint she spent much of her life doing penance in the Benedictine monastery she built under the leadership of her daughter

May 8 ---------------- St. Ida of Nivelles/Metz

Today, throughout the United States, Mother's Day is being celebrated.  In some fashion, mothers are honored with flowers or sweets or special dinners. However, most people pay tribute to their mother because it is the  "fashion of the day". 

Few recognize that the quintessence of motherhood is Our Lady.  Among the many reasons for this, is Our Lady's constant concern for the salvation of her children.  For this she prays. For this she suffered while on earth.  Should not all mothers take this supreme example?

St. Ida of Nivelles was one who did. We know this because she was mother to two saints, St. Gertrude and St. Begga. In fact, she spent much of her life doing penance in the Benedictine monastery she built under the leadership of her daughter, St. Gertrude.  Interestingly, St. Ida was sister to Saint Severa and St. Modoald,  friend of St. Amand and wife of St. Pepin.  Hers was a family of saints.

Should not all mothers wish to follow St. Ida?

Let us ask her today to pray to Our Lady for us, mothers, so that we may work untiringly for the salvation of our families, and thereby, aid in the restoration of Christian civilization.