THE Catholic Women globally celebrate Mothering Sunday even as they were called to imitate their role model, the Blessed Virgin Mary for the betterment of their homes and society.
Rev. Fr. Michael Onwukike, Parish Priest St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia said that Catholic Church marks the celebration on Sunday following the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
Fr. Onwukike in a homily to mark the event at the parish today thanked God for the gift of motherhood, noting that words cannot express the sacrifices the mothers do to keep the family moving.
He explained that a good mother works round the clock to make sure that she keeps her family, equipping her children with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make them competent human beings.
According to him, a good mother is the heart of the family. She cares, loves and gives listening ear to the family members. She never gives up but committed to the duties assigned to her by God.
The cleric emphasized that being a mother is perhaps the hardest, most rewarding job a woman will ever experience.
“It is the greatest job in the world, being there-the shoulder to cry on and the familiar hand to hold.”
“A mother is a protector, disciplinarian and friend. She is selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children without complaining. She works round the clock to make sure their children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as competent human beings.
He emphasized that being a mother means to be fearless, to be a positive role model, to be a continuous cheerleader for every milestone our children will experience, to demonstrate the abundance of unconditional love that has no end and to cherish the countless memories that is truly priceless.
As the women light their candle during procession, the parish priest prayed the Light of Christ to shine in their respective homes, urging them to befriend Christ as the Head of the their family, the unseen guest at every meal and the silent listener for Him to assist them in their vocation.
The cleric decried the rate with which the young mothers belong to water goddess, explaining that such move is catastrophic and spells doom, urging them to look unto Christ as the finisher of their faith.
Earlier in a welcome address, the CWO President of the Parish, Mrs Njideka Gbogu, thanked God for the gift of motherhood, noting that mothers are uniquely and specially created as they never give up on their dreams regardless the obstacles that might stand on their way.
Mrs Gbogu also thanked the parish priest, others for their moral and fatherly support to the organization, praying for God’s continued blessings upon them as they shepherd the flock entrusted to their care.
While recounting their achievements barely a year in office, she solicited for financial support to enable the organization to renovate their hall, purchase 300 chairs and 30 tables as well as procure 10 chillax to lessen financial burdens of members.
She prayed God to continue to bless their husbands and children whom God has called them to serve.
In an interview, the Parish female voluntary Catechist, Mrs MMC Odilatu said that being a mother is perhaps the hardest non-paying 24 hours job you will ever do, most rewarding job a woman will ever experience.
She said that motherhood is to sleep with one eye open and always worry, putting your own problems and issues aside and guide your children through life’s adventures with a positive and happy attitude.
According to her, motherhood is a gift from God, one of the ways we can glorify and serve God, it is sanctifying, but it is also sweet. Motherhood is a blessing, ordained by God, full of hope, full of joy, it is a calling and worthy of honour.
She enjoined mothers to know that their place is in the kitchen no matter their academic qualifications, urging them to be always available for their family and cheerfully serve their family as unto God and above all, imitate Virgin Mary our model so as to succeed in this turbulent time across the globe.
The ceremony featured unveiling of the statue of Mother Mary, cutting of cake, march past, quiz, Igwe and Lolo competitions as well as cultural dance.
The event also witnessed child dedication by Mrs Loretto Onwuamaeze, Parish Administrative Secretary and President, Lectors Association.