REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
Mothers have been described as pillars of faith and vital instruments of God’s love within their homes and church communities.
The Director of the Catholic Women Organisation, CWO, in the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Doctor Ngozi Nwanosike, stated this as Catholic mothers in Onitsha Archdiocese, Anambra State, joined their counterparts across the globe to mark the 2026 Mother’s Day celebration.
Doctor Nwanosike expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the privilege of witnessing yet another Mother’s Day, with a strong call for steadfastness in faith and a renewed commitment to prayer for wisdom, peace, and joy in the home.
While commending women for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices in their homes, she encouraged them to remain resolute, noting that their efforts, though sometimes unseen by the world, never go unnoticed by God, who rewards every act of love and service.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “True Love in Action,” Doctor Nwanosike emphasized that mothers exemplify divine love daily through their patience, kindness, resilience, and unrelenting support for their families while adding that mothers play a critical role in shaping lives, sustaining families through prayer, and inspiring future generations through their strength and character.
In her remarks, the President of the Catholic Women Organization Onitsha Region and Organiser of the Basilica Zone, Lady Uju Ikpeama, called on young mothers to emulate the virtues and discipline of older generations in raising their children.
She expressed concern over what she described as declining parenting standards, cautioning against indecent dressing among children and the growing trend of delegating child upbringing to house helps while mothers focus on less meaningful pursuits.
Also lending his voice, one of the Onitsha Archdiocesan Chaplains of CWO, Reverend Father Collins Okoye, reminded mothers of the sacred nature of their vocation.
He described motherhood as a divine calling rooted in love, sacrifice, and faith, stressing that both the church and society rely heavily on the strength and moral example of mothers.
Reverend Father Okoye urged them to remain shining examples of christian motherhood, encouraging unity, mutual support, and perseverance in doing good at all times.
Mothering Sunday in the Catholic Church, traditionally is observed on the Sunday following the Solemnity of the Annunciation on March 25th, but was rescheduled this year as the adjustment was necessitated by the Holy Week and Easter celebrations, with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria directing a uniform date for the observance nationwide.
