Mothers in Prayer from Calgary and Edmonton Gather Before Hoshiv’s Miraculous Icon

On Sunday, March 8, with the blessing and prayerful support of Fr. Mihajlo Planchak, the “Mothers in Prayer” community from Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Calgary, together with their families, joined the “Mothers in Prayer” groups from Edmonton parishes on pilgrimage to the Hoshiv Miraculous Icon at St. Basil the Great Parish in Edmonton.

By the blessing of Bishop David Motiuk, “Mothers in Prayer” communities have been active in the parishes of the Edmonton Eparchy for more than six years, gathering women to intercede for children, grandchildren, and families in our Church and throughout the world. This time, the groups from two cities came together as one spiritual family to offer heartfelt prayer before the Hoshiv Icon of the Mother of God, a treasured sign of Mary’s intercession preserved in Alberta.

During the pilgrimage, the faithful had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, participate in the Divine Liturgy, and join in a Moleben to the Mother of God. The Mothers in Prayer led special prayers for their children and families, asking the Lord, through the intercession of the Theotokos, to renew their homes and to bring new life to our parishes. In a world marked by anxiety and uncertainty, the quiet, persevering prayer of mothers becomes a powerful witness of trust in God’s providence.

More than 80 mothers took part in the pilgrimage, joined by fathers and many children. After the services, the group shared a common meal, which became a time to meet one another, share stories, and encourage each other in the vocation of Christian motherhood. The joy and laughter of the children, who prayed so fervently throughout the day, were a special consolation to everyone present.

The organizers expressed sincere gratitude to all who came in such great numbers, and in a particular way to the children who prayed so wholeheartedly. “A mother’s prayer is holy; a mother’s prayer comes from the heart,” one participant reflected, echoing the spirit of the day. May the Lord hear the prayers of all mothers, and through the intercession of the Mother of God of Hoshiv, grant peace, protection, and blessing to every family of our Eparchy.

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