Confraternity of Christian Mothers

The Confraternity of Christian Mothers was started in Lille, France, in 1850 by a group of mothers who were very concerned about the welfare and sanctity of their souls and their children’s souls in those tumultuous times.  The goal of this Confraternity is not simply to unite mothers in prayer, but also to support, guide and inspire mothers in performing their duties and practicing virtue.

Over the years, various Popes have granted many spiritual benefits to members of the Confraternity.  In addition to gaining plenary indulgences on certain feast days of the year, a mother can also gain partial indulgences any time she teaches, disciplines or helps her children or others; this means that you can shorten your purgatory time now!

In return for all these benefits, a mother only needs to pray the short Confraternity prayer for children and one Hail Mary for her pastor every day.  Also on the first Sunday of each month, we offer up our Mass and Holy Communion for all the members.  A member should also raise her children in accord with the Catholic principles of the Gospel.  All mothers share in the collective prayers and good works of every member of the Confraternity worldwide and are under the special protection of Our Lady of Sorrows.

We have had a chapter of the Confraternity here at St Anthony’s for the past nine years where we pray for and support each other in the raising of our children.  Periodically we have a Mother’s Tea and one of our priests gives a talk.  All married women, with or without children, may join.  Currently we have 82 members.  If you would like more information on the Confraternity, please contact Becky Ciresi at bciresi@aol.com or 540-972-5932.