By Regina Adaobi Aforgu
Catholic Churches across Nigeria on Sunday observed Mothering Sunday with Holy Masses that blended ancient liturgical tradition with vibrant expressions of love in action.
Sanctuaries were adorned with lilies and white cloth, symbols of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, whom Catholics also honour on this day.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church, Enekwasumpu, the homily echoed from pulpit to pews: “They recognised Him through the breaking of bread.”
Rev. Fr. Evertius Ezeani opened his homily with that line, anchoring his reflection on the Gospel of Luke 24:33–49 under the theme, “The Risen Christ and the Heart of Mothering.”
He told the faithful that Mothering Sunday goes beyond biological motherhood. “It is about ‘mothering’ the God-given gift of nurturing, comforting, restoring, and sending forth,” Fr. Ezeani explained.
Quoting Luke 24:36, the priest described how Christ returned to His frightened disciples and said, “Peace to you.” He likened it to a mother’s instinct: “Like a mother who hears her children crying at night, Jesus stepped into the room of their panic and spoke peace first. Mothering begins with presence. It calms before it corrects.”
Dressed in uniform white lace and blue headgear, members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) led the offertory procession bearing gifts of bread, wine, and household items for the altar.
After Holy Communion, CWO Executive members were invited to the sanctuary. Standing beside a decorated cake and a gift basket, Mrs. Ada Dominic, CWO Treasurer, urged younger women to join the organisation. “We need vibrant mothers to work for Jesus and His Mother. Our older members are growing weary. The young must now take up the work.”
Rev. Fr. Ezeani, then, called on the congregation to support the mothers by sharing in the cake they presented. He prayed for God’s blessing on all mothers and their supporters, asking for strength, wisdom, and joy in their vocation as the first teachers of faith and true love.
The service closed with the Marian hymn ‘Ave Maria’ and a thanksgiving procession, as families sang and danced to the altar in gratitude for the gift of motherhood.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
