In May, we honor Mary and we also celebrate Mother’s Day. For the May Junior Saints online children’s section of the Catholic Standard, students were invited to draw a picture and write about Mary or their mother. 

St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

“For this month’s Junior Saints drawing, I selected Mary, Mother of God. Mary grew up in the town of Nazareth as a faithful Jew. God chose her to become the Mother of His only Son. Her faith and trust in God was so strong that she put her life in danger to birth Jesus. Her faith in God is an inspiration to all.” – Drawing and writing by Mariah Pleta, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland

"My mother is an amazing mother figure! She has been a huge inspiration to me. She is creative and always thoughtful. I wouldn't be where I am today without her guiding me through the way." – Drawing and writing by Hayden Estrella, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

Drawing by Camille Urcia, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

“My mother is not only my best friend, but my home. Home is not only a place, but a feeling of security. When I’m with my mom, that is what I feel. She is funny, amazing, and most of all, an awesome mother. She’s always there for me when I need her. I believe that one of the toughest jobs is being a mother. They guard their children with their whole lives, and I believe that they should be recognized more.” – Drawing and writing by Kaylana Padre, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

“I am inspired by Mary’s courage to say ‘yes’ to God, although she knew she would face difficulties. She gives me hope to conquer my fears and trust God.” – Drawing and writing by Lauren Tyler, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

“My mom is always kind and generous. She helps me through everything, no matter how difficult. I’m so glad to have her as a parent.” – Drawing and writing by Julia Palor, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland

“Words are not enough to show how much I appreciate my mom with all the hard work and sacrifices she is doing to take care of us, her family. My mother juggles her time and schedule to make sure that all of her duties and responsibilities as a wife, as a mother, as a full-time teacher, as a daughter and as a sister to her brothers are taken care of. She is a role model to me, representing a child of God. She is devout to God, remaining faithful even in times of despair. She loves our family with all her heart and would always take care of our needs first before hers. For me, my mom is very special and the best mom ever. I love my mom so much!” – Drawing and writing by Arlo John Pangilinan, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

“To me, Mary is a symbol of faith to those who feel uncertain about a problem as they live their daily lives. We should treat her with the utmost respect.” – Drawing and writing by Michael Hernandez, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland

“For this Junior Saints, I drew my mom and Mary. I am very grateful for my mom because she is very nice. She helps me when I need it, and my mom cooks the best food. My mom really takes care of me. She helped and raised me to become who I am today. I drew Mary because it’s her time, too. Mary is our mother and Jesus’ mother, too. She raised Jesus to live as a normal kid before he grew up. My mom and Mary have done great things for me and for us, and I am grateful for my mom and Mary.” – Drawing and writing by Josette Amado, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

“You always teach me right from wrong

And listen proudly to my made-up songs

You make me read and buy me books

And smile at me when I give mean looks

You teach me to believe in God

Whenever I’m upset or feeling odd

Your unconditional love goes without saying

Never go to bed without praying

My prayers are pretty much always the same

To make you proud and live my life in God's

name

You may not think I always get it

But I really do and must admit it

I love you, Mom!” – Drawing and poem by Jayden Zollarcoffer, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill

St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

“I honor Mary for always following God and for giving birth to Jesus.” – Drawing and writing by Henrietta Railey-Cisco, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

Drawing by Michael Shewaye, second grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

“Mary loves God so she did everything that would make him happy. God gave Mary a son, Jesus, the Savior of the world.” – Abem Samuel, fourth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

Drawing by Eliana Abiy, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

“I honor my mother because she is really nice. If we don’t do our work, we better get it done. We have to get it done before the weekend.” – Caleb Sharpe, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

Drawing by Aidan Cobb,  fourth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

“I give honor to Mary because she is the mother of Jesus. She is kind, loving and forgiving.” – Belen Tafese, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

Drawing by Payton Boyd-Dickenson, fourth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

“Mary is the mother of Jesus. She is a kind person. She is always going through tough times, but she is brave. When she agreed to be the mother of Jesus, she said, ‘yes.’ She is respectful, brave, kind, thoughtful and more. I want to be like Mary when I grow up.” – Feben Belay, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

Drawing by Domini Bradford, fourth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

“Mary is very important because she is the mother of Jesus. The person who acts like Mary in my life is my grandmother. Mary did many things to help Jesus in his life, for example, she cared for Jesus, saw how he taught others about the word of God and stayed with him when he got crucified. How my grandmother acts similar is that she is caring, she helps me when I’m sad, and she encourages me to do things I never could have done…” – Leeann Bangotha, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

“Mary is important because she is the mother of Jesus. Mary loved and cared for Jesus, and she believed in him when others did not…” – Drawing and writing by Bethelem Barka, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

Drawing by Yohannies Owens, fourth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

“My mother is important because she teaches me life lessons and provides me with the things I need. I love my mom, and she’s a beautiful nice woman.” – Joshua Parker, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

“Mary is important for many reasons. Mary is important because she is the mother of the redeemer, Jesus. She was also important because she was holy and sinless. My mother acts like Mary, because she always believes in me, just like Mary believed in Jesus. Mary also was weeping for Jesus when he died on the cross. We honor Mary by honoring her in May.” – Drawing and writing by Naomi Tewelde, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

“I honor my mother because she always takes care of me.” – Drawing and writing by Abigeya Ashenafi, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.

“My mom is the sweetest mom I could ask for. I love my mom to the moon and back.” –Messiah Royster, fourth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington

Next Junior Saints

 For the next Junior Saints, draw a picture and write about something you will be doing this summer. The drawings and writings should be emailed to mark@cathstan.org by June 18 to Mark Zimmermann, the Catholic Standard's editor, and they should include the name, grade and school or parish of the student printed clearly.