Molly Aranda ’06
A simple classroom assignment completely altered Class of 2006 alum Molly Aranda’s expectations of what God had in store for her — a vocation of a hidden life.
“I look back on my initial reflections with joy and the wisdom that comes from living a life of love that requires a death to self. Motherhood has shown me the beauty and miracle of the other and the necessity of inviting Christ into every aspect of my life. I look up at the Golden Dome and ponder the courage and love of Our Lady. Her motherhood and her journey with her son renew my journey daily.”
During this season of hope, how are we challenged to see the face of Christ in others, to love, listen, teach, and disciple? Most importantly, how might we find the courage to pursue wherever God calls and appreciate the beauty of a hidden life that is an unmistakable force for good?
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Thank You Molly for your “hidden life.” Your story reminded me of my own mother and the work and sacrifices she made for her 14 children. I am her oldest. She did all of this with her 8th grade education. The gentle beauty in your words and disposition speak volumes and is quite Grace filled.
The Peace which you approached your “hidden life” and embrace it is something I have seldom seen in my life. Congratulations and God Bless You and your family.
Beautiful motherhood reflection
Thank You. Thank You.
Molly’s beautiful words and calling to motherhood moved me to tears; I know God was speaking to me through Molly. Thank you.
Our Lady is the great mentor of all Mothers.
Thank you, Molly, for your beautiful reminder that the call to motherhood is, in fact, an opportunity to be a force for good in the world through our influence on our children (and grandchildren). Motherhood is, no doubt, a lifelong vocation and I am learning that my influence is still very important in the lives of my adult children. How wise you are to embrace your role as mother as the ultimate call to service by God. It is very obvious to me that your family is so blessed by your loving presence. May you continue to feel a great sense of purpose within your hidden life, and may your family prosper in the things that really matter. ????????
Thank you Molly. I was moved to happy tears when I heard your reflection.
When you deliver your first child, and they tell you that that child is healthy, incredible joy, awe and love rushes through you. You feel so grateful and close to God at that moment.
Thank you for reminding us that that spiritual moment lasts for a lifetime. God bless you in your hidden, impactful ministry in life.
I’m sitting here with tears running down my face as I know that God has spoken to me this morning through your reflection, Molly. I’m over an hour late on starting my reflection because my older son’s car wouldn’t start to take him and his younger brother to morning track practice. After taking them to practice, cleaning out my son’s car in case it needs to be towed, and calling AAA, I sat down with my tea to to hear your words. They spoke to my heart about motherhood, my sons, and all that my mother did for me. Thank you for a beautiful reminder of the gift of motherhood.
What a beautiful reflection on motherhood as a vocation and a reminder to remember daily to allow Christ and Mary to guide us on that path! You have a beautiful family! Thanks for sharing ❤️
I was drawn to listen to this again and found myself contemplating my “hidden life” AND the “hidden lives” everyone lives; to one degree or another. Joy to all of the precious and varied “hidden lives.”
Thanks Molly. I loved your reflection. It seems so rare in our society that motherhood as a vocation is praised. Thank God for many hidden lives of love!
What a beautiful reflection Molly. Parenting is our most important role and yet the gifts we give are so hidden, but not to our children. ????
I am quite pleased to see your vocation beautifully articulated and highlighted. It is arguably the most important vocation of all.
Full disclosure, I have been blessed to have married a Notre Dame graduate who chose an identical path a couple decades prior to to you, Holly, and our five children and I have been able to thrive because of it.
Thank you Molly for your great reflection on the discipleship of motherhood. As a grandmother, that commitment extends to grandchildren as well. I am blessed to have 7 more souls to nurture. I feel the importance of sharing the gift of faith through traditions of the advent and Christmas season and in shared family traditions. Time spent together is an opportunity to help them find joy in the opportunities to experience and share love and reflect on Christ’s love for all of us in every time and season of our lives. That is the challenge and blessing of grandparenting.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Motherhood is the greatest opportunity to fulfill God’s promise to love.
Beautiful reflection.
Beautiful. “Hidden Life” indeed – thankfully, though, not hidden to our Savior, who knows all, even as we do not. Continued blessings and joy to you as you continue your journey along the path of your calling!
Incredible witness and so beautifully said. Thank you for helping me to encounter God today, Molly, and for inviting me to strengthen my relationship with Mary. So many lives are being touched and waiting to be touched by you and your inspirational and authentic example. Love Thee, Joe
Thank you, Molly, for sharing this beautiful, inspiring, heartfelt reflection. Bless you as you continue on the challenging and rewarding journey of motherhood.