Mother’s Day is a special occasion that honours the selfless love, care, and devotion of mothers around the world. On this joyous day, children eagerly express their gratitude and appreciation for their mothers in various creative and heartfelt ways. Children’s celebrations of Mother’s Day are a testament to the profound impact their mothers have on their lives. BETTY AMUKPO explores the delightful ways in which children celebrated Mother’s Day. Their responses:
‘I attended Mass with our mothers where they served as Altar Servers, Lectors, Choristers’
Mother’s Day is an important day of prayer and reflection, recognising not only the gift of Mary to the Church, but the gift of mothers and motherlike figures in our lives. (Proverbs 31:9-31). I celebrated our mothers by attending Mass where our mothers were the Lectors, Choristers, Church Wardens during the Mass. It was a beautiful sight to behold as they brought their affection and care into the Eucharistic celebration. Prayers were said for them and they had a little celebration after the Mass. I prayed for my mother and she in turn prayed for me, I and my siblings cooked her favourite meal and gave her a Queen’s treatment. Mothers are gifts to humanity and we must thank God for the gift of Motherhood and especially, for Mother Mary, our beloved Mother.
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘Recognise all the ways they have been for us’
Whether you call her mum, mother, or mummy—whether she’s a birth mother or a maternal figure: Mother’s Day is a special time to celebrate the women who shaped us. For many, becoming a mother is life-changing, and this day is an opportunity to recognise all the ways they have been there for us. Proverbs 31:27-29: “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’” Ephesians 6:1-3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise – ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’” I celebrate and cherish my mother always for her strength, love and care for us all.
• Okononfua Bryan’
‘Celebrate mothers in a special way and pray for them’
Firstly, the relationship between a mother and a child is a sacred one and full of unconditional love. Without our mothers, we would not be here. They sacrificed themselves to help us enter this world, yet as we grow up, many forget. Exodus 20:12 states, “Honour your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” I used my mother as a point of contact to all mothers celebrating them in a special way on Mother’s Day and my prayers for them is that they will reap the fruits of their labour. Amen
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Showed appreciation to our mothers and mother figures’
Honouring mothers is a biblical principle (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2-3). We celebrated Mother’s Day by: – Showing appreciation to our mothers and mother figures (Proverbs 31:28); – Reflecting on the selfless love and care they provide (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8); – Praying for them and expressing gratitude (Matthew 15:4-6).
• Agbo Josephine
‘My mother spent Mother’s Day with me at school’
l celebrated Mother’s Day with my loving and caring mother who came to my school to visit me just to show me love. From my birth to date she has always been by my side which includes, this blessed day that we are sharing together. Rather than celebrating it with other mothers in her community, we spent a lot of time together, enjoying each other’s presence. “As a mother comforts her child, so will l comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13. “She speaks with a gentle wisdom.” Proverbs 31:26.
• Sobayo Dorcas
‘Bring her breakfast in bed’
Your mum is one amazing, strong, and beautiful woman. For Children they can save her from stress. Spend the day celebrating your mum with an activity she’ll love. Bring her breakfast in bed. Make her playlist. Watch a movie together. Surprise her with a thoughtful gift. Bible Verses: – Exodus 20:12 – Proverbs 22:6 – Proverbs 31:2
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘We spent Mother’s Day honouring Mary, our spiritual Mother’
As Pilgrims of Hope, we celebrated Our Mother’s Day by honouring Mary, our spiritual Mother. We prayed the Rosary (Luke 1:28), sang hymns of praise (Luke 1:46- 48), and imitated her faith (John 2:5). Through acts of kindness (Galatians 6:9-10), we reflected her love and hope.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘I joined her in preparing the meal and served her’
My mother is my greatest teacher, friend and supporter. Mother’s Day serves as one of the best days to convey our heartiest respect and regards to our mothers. On Mother’s Day: – I thanked my mother for all her endless efforts towards me and my siblings. – I joined her in preparing the meal and served her the meal. – I spent more time with her by hearing all nice stories from her. – I prayed to God to always protect my mother that no evil shall befall her. Good health, I will always wish for her. My priceless mother is my greatest teacher, friend and my supporter The Bible states in Exodus 20:12, “Honour your father and your mother for your days to be long on earth,” while Leviticus 19:3 advises, “Every one of you shall revere his mother and father.” I will always make my mother have inner peace and joy. My mother is all I have got. I will respect, obey and love her as long as I live. Happy Mother’s Day my priceless mother.
• Chima Anita
‘We attended a special Mother’s Day Mass’
Pilgrims of Hope, we celebrated Mother’s Day in various ways, honouring the mothers in our lives and the Mother of God. – We attended a special Mother’s Day Mass, praying for mothers, motherhood, and the blessings of family. – We prayed the Rosary and offered special prayers for mothers, asking for their intercession and protection. – We took time for reflection and meditation, contemplating the virtues of motherhood and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary. – We gathered with our families, sharing meals, stories and memories of our mothers. – We gave gifts to our mothers, expressing our gratitude and appreciation for their love and care. – We spent quality time with our mothers, engaging in activities they enjoy and creating new memories together. – We visited ministries that support mothers in need, such as crisis pregnancy centres and women’s shelters. – We served mothers in need by providing meals, clothing, and other essential items. – We prayed for mothers who are struggling, asking God to bless and support them. – We reflected on the blessings of our mothers and the gift of motherhood. – We expressed appreciation for the sacrifices our mothers have made for us. – We sought to imitate the virtues of our mothers and the Blessed Virgin Mary, striving to become better versions of ourselves. By celebrating Mother’s Day in these ways, we honoured the mothers in our lives and the Mother of God, while also deepening our appreciation for the gift of motherhood.
• Awaki Barnabas
