In Focus - Where Faith First takes Root ( April 2026 )

In Focus

Title: Where Faith First Takes Root 

Intro

Rosmin Mathoor shares simple truths of how a mother shapes the faith of her children.

Article

Recently at a gathering of moms, we were invited to reflect and share on a woman who had inspired us to live a virtuous life. More than half of the women present spoke about their mothers. What stood out in each sharing was the same theme: they were deeply inspired by their mothers’ prayerfulness and unwavering faith. 

St Pope John Paul II, in his Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio, reminds us: The mother’s role is of special importance in forming the conscience and faith of her children. The future of evangelisation depends in great part on the Church of the home.

A mother plays a pivotal role in the spiritual formation of her child. Her role is not limited to providing for just the physical or emotional needs of her children. She is often the first to introduce her child to God, to prayer, and to faith. It is through her eyes, her example, and her daily life that a child first encounters the love of God. 

In today’s world, this responsibility is sometimes unintentionally outsourced to the parish, religious education programmes, or teachers. While these are important supports, they cannot replace what happens within the walls of a home. If faith is not alive there, it struggles to take root elsewhere. 

As mothers, we love our children immensely and naturally desire the very best for them, the best food, the best education, the best opportunities, the best we can possibly provide. These things are good and important. They reflect our care, our sacrifice, and our deep commitment to their well-being. Yet, above all these gifts, there is one gift greater than any other: God Himself. 

There are many ways in which we as mothers can be the first and most effective spiritual teachers of our children. The first and foremost is to live our faith. 

In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, God commands and says: 

And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 

Notice that God first says the words shall be upon your heart. We cannot pass on what we do not ourselves live. Faith formation begins not with instruction, but with interior conviction. When God’s Word shapes our decisions, our priorities, and our daily habits, it naturally overflows into the lives of our children. 

To ‘teach them diligently’ means making God a part of our daily life –  speaking of Him at the dinner table, turning to Him in times of worry, thanking Him in moments of joy, and seeking His guidance before making decisions. It also means taking intentional time to read the Bible, memorise Scripture, and study God’s Word together. The Word of God is what truly shapes hearts, transforms lives, and equips both parents and children to live faithfully. By allowing our children to see that God takes first place in our lives, we demonstrate that He is our priority and the foundation upon which our family is built. 

We must also pray for them and with them. 

When we pray for our children, we entrust their hearts, their struggles, their friendships, and their futures to God. Even when they do not see it, a mother’s intercession surrounds them with grace. From my personal testimony, I can say that it was my mother’s prayers that drew me closer to God and helped shape who I am today. 

When we pray with them, we teach them how to turn to God themselves. God has already planted seeds of faith in their hearts. They have great potential to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him. It is our job to unlock that potential and water those seeds. Begin when they are small, by establishing simple family prayer times. Teach them to sit in silence, even briefly, and to recognise God’s presence. Encourage them to thank and praise Him for the little things in their lives,  a heartfelt ‘Thank You, Jesus’ when they receive something they have been hoping for, when they have a good day at school, enjoy time with a friend, or spend a happy afternoon at the park. Teach them also to pray when their sibling is sick or in pain, and when they are facing disappointments or struggles. In this way, they learn that prayer is for every moment – joy and sorrow, success and challenges.  

Prayer does not need to be complicated, nor do we need to use big words. What matters most is that they are drawing close to God, speaking to Him with simple, sincere hearts. When children learn early that they can talk to God about everything, they grow up knowing they are never alone. 

Bring your children to the sacraments and to adoration. The importance of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Eucharistic adoration should first be taught at home – not only through words, but by example. 

Try to take them to Mass as often as possible during the week. Let us not limit ourselves to Sunday alone if we are able to do more. When children grow up seeing that we make time for Jesus in the midst of busy schedules, they learn that He truly comes first. 

If possible, go with them for adoration each month. Many parishes even offer special adoration hours just for children, helping them learn how to sit quietly before the Lord. 

Take that time out intentionally. The world competes for their attention, but only the presence of the Lord can truly mould their hearts. In the quiet of adoration, children learn reverence. They learn to listen. We cannot always protect them from every challenge in life, but we can bring them to the One who strengthens them from within. If we give our children God first, we give them the One who orders everything else rightly. And that is the greatest gift a mother can offer. 

If you, as a mother, are just beginning this journey of imparting faith to your children, remember that it is never too late to start. God works in every season, and He honours even the smallest step taken toward Him. Begin with a simple conversation. Speak to your children about the importance of faith and why your relationship with God matters. Share your own experiences. Start slowly with family prayer or a short prayer. Above all, invite the Holy Spirit into your home. Ask Him to touch your children’s hearts, to guide them, and to lead your family step by step on this journey of faith.  

I would like to conclude with this beautiful saying from Pope Pius XII: 

‘The mother is the heart of the family. Through her, faith is first learned, first loved, and first lived.’

 As our children’s primary spiritual educators, we have the privilege and responsibility of teaching them who God is, not only with our words, but with our lives. We walk alongside our children, guiding them toward Heaven. Our guidance helps them form character, instil virtue, and grow into the people God created them to be. 

Author ProfileRosmin Mathoor is married to Stanny, and is a mother of 5 children ranging in age from 12 to one. They live in Dallas, USA, and are active members of a lay community called Missionary Families of Christ.