By Chukwunonso Nwaebuni
MOTHERING Sunday is usually a Christian holiday celebrated across the world. It was traditionally a day to visit one’s mother’s church and is used to honour mothers, much like Mother’s Day. On that day, people send gifts and cards.
Celebrated this year on March 15, today is also a time for visiting mothers and holding a special Thanksgiving service to honour them. Acts of service are encouraged, such as helping them run errands and performing minimal household tasks where possible, to help reduce stress and workload.
Spending quality time with them is equally important, not just talking, but also listening to them share their life experiences and the things they enjoy doing or continue to enjoy doing.
Motherhood has, since time immemorial, been an indispensable institution in society, serving not only as the foundation for bringing forth generations but also as a guiding force in instilling morals, values, and cultural traditions. Mothers have historically been the bedrock of families, shaping character, nurturing talents, and providing emotional stability. However, beyond the pomp and fanfare that often accompany Mothering Sunday, there is an underlying social concern about the gradual decline in the traditional roles of mothers.
In recent times, the changing dynamics and values of modern life, economic pressures, and shifting societal expectations appear to have altered the perception and practice of motherhood. There is also concern that, in some cases, the younger generation may not fully appreciate the sacrifices, wisdom, and guidance that mothers have traditionally provided.
To explore this issue further, The Pointer interacted with several mothers from different backgrounds, seeking to understand what Mothering Sunday means and how the role of motherhood has been impacted in modern times.
Speaking with our correspondent in Asaba, the Delta State capital, a mother who preferred to remain anonymous said, “This (Mothering Sunday) is an event in the Christian community where mothers are celebrated and shown how much they are loved.
‘’Mothering Sunday, to us mothers, is a Christian and special occasion. We wear special clothes and traditional attire, cook delicious meals, invite friends and well-wishers, and exchange gifts.”
She added that there are numerous challenges for both mothers and children because running a home is not easy. “No matter what is available, it might not be enough. Mothers carry their babies for nine months while managing the household. They are great! In short, where there is no woman, the home is a vacuum.”
According to another respondent, Madam Ezinne Onwuka, “Mothering Sunday is a very remarkable day because we remember all the mothers and the good work they have performed throughout the year and throughout their lifetime. It is good to be remembered, not only by their own children but for the benefit of all children in the world.
“The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) is noted for this; honouring the good work mothers have done. That is why they call it the Catholic Women’s Organisation: they want to dedicate this day to make it special for all mothers, honouring them as Mary, our mother, was honoured.
‘’Using Mary as our example, she paved the way for modern-day women. A mother should be remembered for the good she has done. My mother loved me very well, especially when I was young, when I was a baby. She took care of me. So much has been done for me that it would be wrong to forget her. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
“It is important to appreciate your mother for all the good she has done for you. I want people to understand it better, because when you love your mother, more blessings will shower upon you. When you honour your mother, blessings from God will follow automatically. By telling others about the benefits of having a mother, God will hear your prayers because you appreciate the work mothers do.”
She continued, “A funny experience I always look forward to is the songs sung during Mothering Sunday in church; they are very touching to the heart. I always look forward to hearing them’’
Some mothers here at the Delta Print and Publishing Corporation (DDPC), Asaba, publishers of The Pointer Newspapers, also shared their perspectives about the commemoration and what they did, or would do, to celebrate their mothers.”
Speaking, a senior staff member of the Corporation, Mrs Rachael Ijenwa, noted that Mothering Sunday is a very special day to celebrate women all over the world. “We celebrate the uniqueness of a woman, the uniqueness of a mother, and the sacrifices a mother makes.
‘’It is a day everyone should celebrate mothers, men, children, and women, wherever you are. The sacrifices women make in life for their children, their husbands, and the world as a whole are immense, and they deserve to be celebrated.
“Back when I was younger, on Mother’s Day, our mother would dress in their CWO attire. They made special outfits and organised a march-past. We were so proud of our mum marching with other women, performing cultural dances. They would hold debates, sports competitions, and sometimes even football matches. Groups would compete, and at the end of the day, a winner would emerge.
“When I was at St Michael’s Church, we had what was called ‘Queen Mother’. A day before Mother’s Day, a beauty contest was held. It was not only about beauty; it was about intelligence, reasoning, and the contributions of women to the Church. At the end of the contest, a winner would be crowned Queen Mother for the year. During the Mass, women led everything: the responsorial, the Mass serving. Everything was organised by women. It was wonderful and memorable,” she said.
According to her, “Sacrifice is another crucial aspect. I used to tell my children that the measure of sacrifice matters. Someone might have N50 billion, and if they give you N1 million, it is hardly a sacrifice. But a mother with just N5,000, who gives N4,500 and keeps only N500, has truly sacrificed. Mothers make countless sacrifices that cannot be measured. They are always willing to give all for their children, and the world should recognise that.
“A woman is many things: teacher, cook, household manager. We handle numerous responsibilities simultaneously without complaint. Sometimes, we are not asking for money but for appreciation, kind words from our husbands, children, and society. Simple recognition of our role matters greatly.
“Let me share one personal experience. Once, at St Michael’s Church, Okwe, during a cultural dance, football, and beauty contest for Mothering Sunday, I was leading my group, St Mary’s. We elected someone to represent us, but on the day, she said she could not participate because the new Reverend Father would ask difficult questions. Nobody else would step forward, so I went home, changed, and returned to represent my group. In the end, I won and was crowned Queen Mother for the year.
“My question is: what are we doing to celebrate our mothers, wives, girlfriends, sisters, and daughters? They deserve recognition in one way or another,” she added.
Mothering Sunday, as these voices reveal, is far more than a ceremonial date on the calendar; it is a vital reminder of the immeasurable contributions of mothers and women to society. While modern pressures have shifted how motherhood is experienced, balancing careers, technology, and societal expectations, the core values of sacrifice, guidance, and nurturing must not be lost. Today’s mothers must consciously retain these timeless virtues, not only to honour tradition but to ensure that the next generation continues to grow with respect, morals, and strong character.
Celebrating Mothering Sunday is, therefore, not merely about gifts, songs, or ceremonial recognition; it is an opportunity to reflect, honour, and appreciate the enduring love and sacrifice of mothers everywhere. Whether through acts of service, appreciation, or simply recognising the multifaceted roles women play, the message is clear: where there is a mother, there is life, love, and legacy; where there is no mother, the home remains a vacuum. Happy Mothering Sunday.
