What does the Church teach about referring to God as "mother"?

[tm21]

I was at a retreat last weekend, and the priest leading the retreat said that although it is not permitted to call God “mother” in the liturgy, Iit is ok to call God “mother” in our personal prayers, songs, poetry, etc. He said some people have had terrible fathers and therefore it would be better for them to think of God as their mother. Are there any teachings of the Church to support or refute his position?

 

[Augusta_Crowley]

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