Mothering Sunday 2026: A Joyful Celebration

Mothering Sunday is a special day in the Christian calendar dedicated to honouring mothers, motherhood, and the role of women in the Church and society. Traditionally, it originates from the fourth Sunday of Lent, when Christians were encouraged to return to their "mother church" and appreciate both the Church and biological mothers.

In the Catholic Church in Nigeria, the celebration is uniquely organized and widely coordinated by the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO). The CWO plays a central role in promoting family values, faith formation, and the welfare of women and the vulnerable, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mothering Sunday as celebrated by the CWO across Nigeria is a joyful and spiritual occasion marked by:

• Special thanksgiving Masses
• Recognition and appreciation of mothers' sacrifices
• Processions and active participation of women in the liturgy
• Cultural displays and sometimes charity works for the needy

For 2026, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria directed that Mother's Day (Mothering Sunday) be celebrated on Sunday, 19 April 2026, instead of the usual period, due to its clash with important liturgical celebrations like Palm Sunday and Easter.