Archbishop of Sydney

Mothers' Day 2005

By + Cardinal George Pell
Archbishop of Sydney
8 May 2005

As an ardent republican, I shouldn't really be interested. But all the same I was delighted to hear that Princess Mary of Denmark is pregnant and soon to be mother – God willing – to a future heir to the Danish throne.

The source of this pleasure was not so much the continuation of the Danish royal house, but the natural affection one has for a newly married couple starting a family. We particularly focus on the woman, not just because she is doing all the heavy lifting, but because every pregnant woman reminds us of the wonder of how each of us came to be.

Love is life-giving, and motherhood is one of the greatest examples of this. A woman gives life from her own body to another human being, and then plays an enormous part in nurturing and loving her children, and in shaping their lives.

Motherhood is also hard work, sometimes involving heart-break and real suffering. After she becomes a mother no woman is the same as she was before. Pregnancy and rearing young children in particular can take a great toll, physically, emotionally and sometimes psychologically. Financial pressures to keep working or to work more than she prefers do not help, especially when there seems to be no other choice.

These pressures are much worse when marriage breaks down. A strange thing about our age is that too often mothers (or fathers) who are abandoned with the kids are regarded as "losers", while the spouse who has broken their commitment goes on to a enjoy a new life of "freedom" with a new partner. We need to do more to support these parents and to pay tribute to their courage and dedication.

Motherhood's prestige is diminished compared to earlier times. It is often regarded as a backward step for a woman to cut back her working hours or to give up work to care for her children.

This is a strange way to think, given that turning out happy, confident, well adjusted kids, capable of making a contribution to society, is just about the most important "work" that any woman (or man) will ever undertake.

Of course motherhood doesn't have the glamour of many careers. For mothers full-time at home there can also be a sense of loneliness or isolation, especially in the time immediately after giving up work.

But often the greatest work is not glamorous. Motherhood is a prime example. Not much short-lived whizz and sparkle, but courage, selflessness, perseverance and love in spades. It also requires a sense of humour and imagination, which most "careers" don't.

It is a great day to say thanks to all the brave, talented and loving women who are mothers, especially our own.