In honor of Mother’s Day, the OC Catholic asked a few of our Religious within the Diocese of Orange to talk a little bit about their moms – specifically what kind of influence their mothers had on their spiritual lives and what makes their mothers special. The OC Catholic wishes all the moms in our Diocese and beyond a happy and blessed Mother’s Day!
FR. DAMIEN GIAP, SCHOOL RECTOR AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL IN COSTA MESA, POSES WITH HIS MOTHER CAN THI GIAP.
FR. DAMIEN GIAP, O.PRAEM, (NORBERTINES)
Can Thi Giap (mom)
Name three words that describe your mother best?
Diligent, Pious and Persevering
How has your mother influenced
your faith life?
My mother’s influence on my faith life is her devotion to St. Joseph and Our Blessed Mother. My mother prays the rosary diligently and she is unwavering in her devotion to St Joseph.
What is the best advice your mom has given you?
The best advice my mom gave me is to treat everyone with kindness and empathy, especially to those who are less fortunate. She is very mindful of the poor and those who are sick or hurting.
SR. THUY TRAN, CSJ (SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE), POSES WITH HER MOTHER MARY PHAM.
SR. THUY TRAN, CSJ (SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE)
Mary Pham (mom)
Name three words that describe your mother best?
Entrepreneur (came to US from Vietnam with nothing, in her late 20s, started a restaurant in her own backyard, all her kids have this spirit, started businesses, restaurants); Faith-filled; Generous
How has your mother influenced your faith life?
I became a religious sister! My mom was not expecting me to become a religious sister, but she is very proud of me. My religious vocation gave validation to my mom for her work as a mom. She is very religious, involved with the Church. We prayed the rosary together as a family every night. Faith was my mom’s foundation when things were tough, her faith is unwavering, her example taught me that I can trust God completely. She wants her kids to be happy. Her love is very concrete, shows by doing. God is always first.
What is the best advice your mom has given you?
Trust God with your problems when things are tough.
SR. YARELI GUADALUPE SALCEDO BARAJAS, MC (POOR CLARE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT), ALONGSIDE WITH MARÍA DE LA LUZ BARAJAS (MOM).
SR. YARELI GUADALUPE SALCEDO BARAJAS, MC (POOR CLARE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT)
María de la Luz Barajas (mom)
Name three words that describe your mother best?
My mother is a devout, generous and intelligent woman.
How has your mother influenced your faith life?
When I was a child, my mother began to get closer to Church, so her testimony of service was the best influence in my life; seeing her so happy serving the Church was a motivation for me. Thus, when I least expected it, I was already part of the group of altar service in my parish, so I continued in the parish groups, serving there until I entered the convent.
What is the best advice your mom has given you?
My mother used to tell me that prayer brings great fruits, something that I did not understand much when I was in the world, but now it has been a great tool to help me persevere faithfully in my vocation. That is why I thank God for the gift he gave me in my mother since, through her, I discovered Him.
FR. QUAN TRAN, ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. HEDWIG CHURCH AND SCHOOL IN LOS ALAMITOS, POSES WITH HIS MOTHER TUYET TRAN. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SUBJECTS
FR. QUAN TRAN, ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. HEDWIG CHURCH AND SCHOOL IN LOS ALAMITOS
Tuyet Tran (mom)
What are three words that describe your mother best?
Kind, loving and light-hearted
How has your mother influenced your faith life?
My mother helps me to grow in charity, forgiveness and patience. She is very selfless, and always thinking of others. She is quick to forgive and bears her crosses patiently.
What is the best advice your mother has given you?
“There is more pleasure in giving than receiving.”