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IN THE DIOCESE
May 9, 2017 | The Valley Catholic
Mary, Model of Faith for Mothers who Mourn Adult Children
By Kathy Fanger
When Mary and Joseph bring the
infant Jesus to the temple, Simeon
proclaims to Mary, “And you your-
self a sword will pierce.” Luke 2:35
Mary came to know firsthand the deep
grief of losing a child. Her faith saw her
through her tragic loss.
As Mother’s Day nears, we hear from
others pierced with grief at the deaths of
their adult children.
Farelyn Lehane, Queen of Apostles
Parish, shares, “Our daughter, Anne, 44,
had a history of medical complications
when she died suddenly five years ago of
a heart attack. I have become accustomed
to the pain and loss, yet there are still
times when it is so fresh like I am expe-
riencing it for the first time. Our parish
grief support group taught me that this
is the nature of grief. When my friend’s
son died suddenly at 42, we spotted
each other before Mass, collapsing into
each other’s arms. Whenever I encounter
grieving mothers, God’s healing pres-
ence and grace bless us both.”
Judith Loredo, Our Lady of Guada-
lupe Parish, had three children die in
their 40’s from cancer. “People say, ‘It’s
time to move on,’ but there’s no way to
tell them how I feel. There’s such a void in
my life. I keep thinking I’m going to wake
up and realize it’s all a dream. Mother’s
Day is very sad for me. I bring flowers
and clean their markers.”
Teresa, Saint Clare Parish, shares, “I
adore my nieces and nephews! They are
my kids!” Two years ago, Teresa’s niece,
26, suffered severe injuries when struck
by a car while on her bicycle. “I begged
God to take me, not my niece. Then she
died! Everything has been obliterated for
us! Yet I have great faith in God. I loved
her so much.”
Donna D’Cruz, Queen of Apostles
Parish, shares her son, Roy, 42, died on an
afternoon walk three years ago. “It was
such a shock! Like Mary, I pray, ‘Thy will
be done.’ Jesus takes away my pain and
gives me courage. My son comes to my
dreams. ‘You have to smile, Mom.’ My
two grandsons are growing up just like
him. What a blessing! On Mother’s Day,
my son would buy me the best flowers
in the world. My daughter’s family now
does this. I realize I am getting old. I will
soon be with him.”
Molly Lecheler, Transfiguration
Parish, shares, “My brother died at 26
years old. He gave Mom beautiful flow-
ers every Mother’s Day. I tried to fill the
void by sending flowers every year in his
memory until she died at 94.”
Mother’s Day may be difficult, trig-
gering many emotions. Give yourself the
permission to grieve, knowing you are
not alone. Turn to God and our Blessed
Mother and seek out relatives and friends
who will listen to your true feelings.
Many parishes offer confidential grief
groups that offer support in your journey
of healing. To receive a list, contact (650)
428-3730 or [email protected].
Veterans Tributes and
Memorial Day Masses
May 29, Gate of Heaven and
Calvary Cemeteries
For more information, see page 20.
Caregivers’ Mass & Brunch
July 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
All Saints Chapel
22555 Cristo Rey Dr., Los Altos
If you are a caregiver of a loved one
in a home, we invite you and the person
for whom you care if he or she is able to
attend. RSVP required by July 14. Call
(650) 428-3730.
Saint Vincent de Paul
Hosting a Benefit Luncheon
and Antique Evaluation
Saint Vincent de Paul will host
a benefit event to raise funds in
support of their mission to help the
underserved and underprivileged in
Santa Clara County.
The event will consist of a lun-
cheon, raffle, and a silent auction. In
addition, attendees are able to bring
in antique items for an evaluation by
Steve Yvaska, Antiques Columnist
for the Mercury News. The luncheon
will be held on Saturday, June 24,
from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Saint Mary of
the Immaculate Conception Church,
219 Bean Ave, Los Gatos.
Cost for the event is $75 per per-
son with