The Fourth Commandment tells us to “Honor Your Mother and Father.” This May and June, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL, gives you an opportunity to remember your parents in special ways.

Beginning on May 6 and continuing through May 14, Mother’s Day, the Shrine will hold a novena in honor of the women who have brought love into your life. The pilgrims to the Shrine Church will remember these special women in their prayers, and candles will be lit in their honor. On Mother’s Day, the Shrine will hold a special Mass. Carnations will fill the church, each one representing the name of a mother. Mass will be held at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. in the Outdoor Amphitheatre, and a Saturday Mass will also be held for the Sunday liturgy on May 13 at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Remember your father and other important men in your life at the Father’s Day Novena. Starting Father’s Day, June 18, and continuing for nine consecutive nights, your father will be remembered in prayer by the pilgrims to the Shrine. Candles may also be lit in your loved one’s honor. Fathers will be honored at the Saturday Evening and Sunday liturgies, 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, all at the Shrine.

If you would like to have your mother or father remembered during these Masses, please contact the Missionary Association at 1-888-330-6264 or go on-line at www.oblatesusa.org/oblates/petitions.