I can’t tell you how many times I heard the word help when the kids were growing up. Help! “He’s (insert any descriptor here, looking, laughing, touching, or staring) at me.” Help! “I don’t understand the math assignment.” You’re alone there; Dad doesn’t get home until Friday.

Mothers are a special breed; they can be tough as nails or soft as fleece. Moms are cooks, maids, referees, fun planners, homework enforcers, disciplinarians, and nurses, to name a few hats we wear. Each child entrusted to us is not only unique and unrepeatable but unpredictable and mischievous. Every moment in a mom’s life is new, requiring instant adaptability, poise, and supernatural patience.

It’s sad how our society has downplayed the critical role that both mothers and fathers play in the formation and importance of future citizens and members of society. The work done in the family by both mom and dad is irreplaceable. We seldom see the fruit of the long sleepless nights, temper tantrums, or disciplinary actions for decades. But it’s there, just below the surface, ready to bloom at the proper time. Take heart, moms; there is a payoff for all your work, dedication, love, and folding.

God understood the value of motherhood and the character, virtue, and holiness required of the woman who would carry his Incarnate Son. He hand-picked the Virgin Mary and entrusted his very Son to her and all mankind by commending us to her care from the Cross. This is no small gesture or nicety. Mary is a tremendous gift to us. Too often, we give our heavenly Mother a passing nod, not realizing the magnitude of possibilities the Lord designated to her on our behalf. History demonstrates the intercession and care she has shown us in her timely apparitions. The common theme is to pray, fast, and change our sinful ways. Mothers will do anything to save their children. The Blessed Virgin has repeatedly warned us, begging us to change and avert wars and tragedies.

Parents whose children have gone astray, left the faith, and live as if God doesn’t matter, are in a constant heartbreak. Many mothers have become prayer warriors for the sake of their children, and Mama Mary is no different. She has billions of lost children.

The world has changed, but it is not necessarily for the good of humanity. “You do you” is the mantra for anything and everything. We have forgotten who created us and the desired destination, which we are not guaranteed. We need to remember the lessons on love. God first, then our neighbor. Self-denial has become an attribute associated with athletes. Suffering is rejected and immediately controlled, compassion is a thing of the past, and genuine concern for our fellow humans is replaced by fear of them. We need to remember what true beauty is like; goodness and truth are in short supply.

 “Help, we need you, Mama Mary!” Remember, we were created for so much more than this. We’ve gotten so off course that we are beyond human help, so it is time to call on the most perfect mom in history.

Cardinal Dolan has asked us to join him in a nine-month novena to our Mother Mary, which begins on Tuesday, March 12th—yes, this Tuesday—and ends with the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12th. A novena is a very simple prayer said daily for a period of time. This prayer takes less than a minute! Everyone can pray and participate. Invite friends and family, Christians and non-Christians alike.

Complaining about the world, the country, and humanity fixes nothing!

No politician or billionaire can cure what plagues us; no master plan or reset. We need heavenly help and Mary’s intercession on our behalf. Why? Because her Son listens to her, loves her, and has placed her in heaven as our intercessor and friend.

You will find everything you need to know here. Please make this a priority in your day. Set an alarm, make the commitment, and we will all benefit. We will see miracles when we all realize that there is power when we all pray together with one voice for our country.