On Sunday 30 April 2025, the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish, Maryland Ogbomoso, Nigeria, celebrated the feast day of all the mothers in the parish with resounding joy! It was a day to remember.
The celebration commenced with the Holy Mass at 9:00 am, chaired by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode. During his homily, Father Olabode expressed his deep gratitude to God for the gift of mothers, emphasizing the important role they play in the Church, in their various homes and in society. He described mothers of Parish as women of good-will, enthusiastic, committed, caring and loving women who are always supportive to their very best. He urged us to honor them. On their special day, he encouraged everyone to celebrate mothers with love, as they so richly deserve it.
Drawing on the readings for the day, in particular the Gospel of Luke 15, Father Olabode emphasized that God calls everyone, and therefore mothers, to remain loving, compassionate and forgiving mothers towards their children, their husbands and so many others, especially when they are hurt or misunderstood. God calls us to forgive all wounds and to give those who have offended us another chance, as God himself gives us.
On this day, it was amazing to see the mothers playing all the liturgical roles: they served mass as altar servers, readers, churchwardens, choristers, and announcers. They were all elegantly dressed in the uniform of the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO). They all performed their liturgical duties perfectly and added vitality to the assembly of the faithful.
After the Liturgy of the Word, the children of the Holy Childhood Association presented the mothers with a beautiful performance, praising their qualities such as love and care, kindness, hospitality, discipline, and enthusiasm. They also appreciated the efforts of some of the mothers who teach them the liturgy every Sunday. In gratitude, the children presented them with beautiful gifts.
The mothers also had the opportunity to express their gratitude and joy by dancing up to the altar, joined by the whole congregation. After the thanksgiving, the women presented gifts to those who had served their organization and the Church tirelessly in various capacities. They also presented gifts to the parish priest and their Coordinating sister, Sr Priscilla Madumere, DHS.
Immediately after Mass, outside the church, there was a display of exhibitions, entertainment, singing and dance competitions between the different mothers’ areas. The children, young people and men of the parish accompanied them in expressing their joy. It was a great day, and one that will live long in our hearts.
By Sr Patience EFFIONG, DHS. Published on 4 April 2025
