“Mother” is something women do, and God made them for it. Women who have children and raise them are mothers, as are women who love their husbands, nieces, nephews, neighbors, co-workers, families and friends.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the perfect example of a mother. As the beloved spouse of the Holy Spirit, she is the Mother of God and has perfect, maternal love for his Church and all of his creation. As the mediatrix of all grace, Mary plays an essential role in God’s plan for our salvation.
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, thoughts turn to these women who provided motherly devotion to us, and some of the young men from the Diocese of Gary who are studying to become priests.
Amy O’Donnell, whose son, William “Will” O'Donnell, has been in seminary almost six years, said she and Will have consecrated themselves to Jesus through Mary. “Our reliance on the Blessed Mother is tremendous,” she said. “She is my guide, my teacher of surrender and trust. I greatly rely on her intercession and ask her to protect Will and keep him close to Jesus.”
Will O’Donnell, the second oldest of five children, said his mom was active during his discernment. “While other people were happy for me, she had an idea; she was not surprised.”
Seminarian Steven Caraher, of Munster, said his mother also “had a sense” that he would enter the seminary and that both his parents were supportive. “It was clear from the beginning that she would be with me throughout the whole process.”
His mother’s model of love and faithfulness, always ensuring that he and his three siblings attended Mass and grew in love of Jesus, is admirable. He said it has been wonderful to see his mother grow in faith during his six years in seminary.
“I love my mom so much and I let her know that I appreciate her and that I am always praying for her and that I will remain present to her,” Caraher said.
The love and obedience of the Catholic faith that O’Donnell said he sees in his mother’s life, make her an excellent role model for him as he is humbly obedient to God’s will. “I picture the Blessed Mother and how she lives every virtue perfectly. I see my mom striving to do her best. My mom has supported me throughout every part of my life.”
Gianni DiTola said his mother also provides a beautiful example of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “She embodies another Mary, Mother Mary who helps the men be inspired in their vocations,” he said.
His mom also “highlights different facets of who God is” with her love of the Catholic faith and strength of character, said the St. John resident. He shared his reversion to the faith came about the same time as his mom’s. And the two influenced each other.
Hilary DitTola agreed, adding that seeing her son’s prayer life parallel and then surpass hers has been inspirational. She said she tries to model forgiveness and openness. “I do try to recognize my failings and show them. We are perfectly imperfect. I mess up. I go to the Lord to reconcile it.”
Gianni DiTola appreciates her presence. “I think my mom is the one person who will listen to my craziness and put up with it before bringing me back to the world,” he said.
Rosanne Kouris, diocesan Coordinator for Family Life and the Office of Marriage and Family Life, is thrilled that her son Alexander “Alex” Kouris will be ordained as a transitional deacon in June.
“We were part of a group at St. Edward in Lowell called Mom's Bible Study where mothers and their children gathered once a week at our house to read the Bible, the lives of the saints, and the catechism. The families that surrounded us through Alex's childhood were committed to each other and to their faith. It was a beautiful experience, and a wonderful way to raise children,” said Rosanne Kouris.
“The mother/son relationship that Will and I share is very special, mainly because we pray when we are together and when we are apart we pray for each other, sharing our intentions and challenges and concerns with each other,” Amy O’Donnell said. “We try to support Will when he is home by praying the Liturgy of the Hours, spending time in adoration, and praying the rosary with him. His formation and growth has encouraged and inspired us to grow in our love of Jesus and in our relationship with Him.”
O’Donnell’s motherhood has extended to a seminarian of the diocese of Madison named Luis Reyes, who was from Bucaramanga, Columbia, and moved to the United States without family. “Will asked if he could come home with him (for Thanksgiving) and stay with us. We welcomed him and took him into our family. Luis has become like an adopted son to us and a brother to our children. He comes and stays with us often (in Crown Point) and we have been so fortunate to help him and to get to know his family from Columbia.”
Caption: Luis Reyes, originally from Bucaramanga, Columbia, stands at Father Robert Ross’s first Mass at St. Stephen the Martyr, in Merrillville, in June of 2023, with Amy O'Donnell and her son, William O'Donnell, who is on the path to ordination for the priesthood in June 2026. Reyes has become like an adopted son and a brother to the O'Donnell family. (Provided photo)