It was a night graced by Providence — one of those rare, unforgettable moments that seem to echo beyond the here and now. On his much-anticipated Australian tour, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, a global voice for the Divine Mercy devotion, met with Mary Krotwaar, the Australian Coordinator of Mothers Who Pray for Their Children, for what became a dinner steeped in spiritual fire, heavenly alignment, and maternal mission.
When Fr. Chris Alar arrived in Melbourne as part of his “Grace with the Sacraments and Divine Mercy” mission, few could have predicted the divine appointments that would unfold. Known worldwide for his compelling ability to translate the rich teachings of St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy message into the realities of modern life, Fr. Chris’s visit was nothing short of a spiritual milestone for Australian Catholics.
Towards the last leg of his tour, our very own Australian Coordinator Mary Krotwaar had the privilege of dining alongside Fr Chris, not just as a coordinator, not even merely as a representative of the growing Mothers movement, but as a mother herself, carrying the prayers and intentions of thousands of other mothers in her heart.
Mary shared with Fr. Chris the extraordinary journey of the movement in Australia — how it began in Brazil with just a few faithful women gathering in a parish, and has now grown into a living, breathing tapestry of spiritual motherhood, united by the Cross and strengthened by Our Lady’s intercession. She spoke of women who have returned to the Sacraments, of children brought back to the faith, and of families reconciled — not by grand gestures, but by quiet, powerful, persistent prayer.
Fr. Chris, deeply moved, affirmed that this mission is the very heart of the Divine Mercy: "Mercy is the restoration of brokenness through love — and no one does that more tenderly, more fiercely, than a praying mother." Fr Chris continued to say how great that Our Lady of La Salette was our Patroness, and how powerful her message is. A message that is so needed in the world.
For Mary and the mothers she represents, this dinner was more than an opportunity — it was a confirmation from heaven that the prayers of mothers are not only heard, but are pivotal in the Church’s renewal. As Fr. Chris emphasized the urgent need for Divine Mercy in the world today — in our homes, in our parishes, and in our culture.
Their conversation flowed from Eucharistic Revival to the domestic church, from the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to the tears of countless mothers kneeling before tabernacles for their children’s return. It was, in many ways, a microcosm of what the Church is crying out for: a marriage between contemplative prayer and apostolic mission.
This beautiful encounter serves as a living witness to what is possible when we allow God to orchestrate our steps. It is a call to every mother, grandmother, godmother, and spiritual mother in Australia and beyond: Your prayers matter. Your presence matters. Your ‘yes’ to the Lord is shaking the foundations of the enemy and restoring the foundations of the home.
As Mary continues her mission leading the Australian chapter of Mothers Who Pray for Their Children, she does so now with the spiritual wind at her back — encouraged by one of the Church’s most passionate Divine Mercy apostles and affirmed in her sacred vocation.
Let us be mothers who say yes. Mothers who stand in the gap. Mothers who hold the Rosary like a sword. Mothers who trust in Jesus, the Divine Mercy.
And may we, like Mary and Fr. Chris Alar, recognize the holy moments when heaven touches earth — even over dinner.
For more information about the movement, to find a prayer group near you, or to start one in your parish, visit email us at info@motherswhoprayfortheirchildren.com
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Written By:
Felise D'Costa
Mothers who Pray for their Children English Communications Coordinator
Photos courtesy of:
David Krotwaar