1922-2022 is a Centennial Year for the Confraternity of Christian Mothers’ organization of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Natchez (an area also known as Isle Brevelle). Members also include mothers from St. Anne’s Chapel of Old River, as well as mothers from across the U.S who have had roots from this area. With guidance from our pastor and spiritual director Reverend Charles B. Ray and that of patroness, Our Lady of Sorrows, the ladies join regularly to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion, work together, and as wives and mothers pray for one another, their families, and especially for their children. Through Holy Mother Church, they work to instill faith, hope, and love in their children and indeed their families.
May 8, Centennial Celebration
The Christian Mothers meet throughout the year, with an Annual Mothers’ Day Meeting bringing members from afar. Most Reverend Robert Marshall, Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria, will be the principal celebrant at the Holy Mass.
History of the Christian Mothers
The origins of the Christian Mothers go back to northern France and a woman named Louise Josson de Bilhem, wife of a court official. Paying attention to mothers who were solicitous about the welfare of their children, she brought to fruition the envisioned desire of these Christian women to assist one another by words, deeds, and mutual prayer. It was in May 1850 that the Christian mothers of Lille, France assembled for the first time. They looked for encouragement from pastors whom our Divine Savior had appointed to minister through teaching and nurture through His sacraments and blessings. Today there are six Archconfraternities around the world.
In the United States, Ministry to the Christian Mothers’ organization is a work of the Capuchin Franciscans of the St. Augustine Province, Pittsburgh, PA. where the Archconfraternity of Christian Mother headquarters is located. On October 13, 1922, under the spiritual direction of Fr. Joseph Baumgartner, St. Augustine Catholic Church, Isle Brevelle was granted permission to establish the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. This led to affiliation on November 5, 1922, with the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers.
Throughout the years generations of our mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers have strived for a common cause of keeping a spiritual connection that is so important to the life, growth, and love in our community. Although not one member of the original group is still with us, their impact on subsequent generations is still evident as we celebrate this 100th year.
Read more at: www.archconfraternityofchristianmothers.com
