Catholic women across the world have been urged to demonstrate love through practical actions as they celebrated this year’s Mothering Sunday under the theme, “True Love in Action.”
The annual event, organised by the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), began on April 13 across various dioceses, including Aba Diocese, with week-long activities designed to promote spiritual growth, unity among members and the vital role of women in the Church and society.
Activities lined up for the celebration included sensitisation campaigns, spiritual retreats, games and sporting events, fashion displays, march-past and a queen competition, all aimed at strengthening fellowship and celebrating the dignity of womanhood.
Speaking ahead of the grand finale, the Aba Diocesan CWO President, Lady Florita Ngozi Anwuacha, said the theme emphasises the need for women to move beyond verbal expressions of love and demonstrate it through everyday actions.
According to her, true love is reflected in kindness, patience, humility and sacrifice, particularly within families and communities.
“True love is not merely what we say but what we do,” she said, urging mothers to lead by example through acts of care, forgiveness and mutual support.
She noted that mothers play a critical role in shaping the moral and spiritual direction of society.
In her message to mark the celebration, the President of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria (CWON), Mrs Sonubi Elizabeth Olayinka, described true love as active, intentional and transformative.
She said mothers, as primary caregivers, demonstrate such love daily through sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to their families.
Olayinka explained that practical love is expressed through simple but meaningful actions such as assisting those in need, showing patience during difficult situations and consistently choosing service over self-interest.
She added that such values help to build stronger families, a vibrant Church and a more compassionate society.
At the parish level, the CWO President of St. Ambrose Parish, Ogbor-Hill, Aba, Nneoma Lolo Peace Orji, also stressed the importance of practical love, urging women not to ignore the needs of those around them.
She encouraged members to share even their limited resources, such as food or clothing, with those who have none, noting that such acts reflect Christ-like love.
Orji called on women to be deliberate in offering support, encouragement and compassion within their communities, adding that small, selfless acts can restore dignity and strengthen unity.
She also urged families and the wider Church to cultivate environments where love is demonstrated through generosity, forgiveness and mutual support, while teaching children by example that love is about giving and caring for others.
Delivering his homily, the Parish Vicar, Rev. Fr. Christopher Iwuchukwu, described motherhood as a vocation rooted in responsibility and service.
He advised mothers to avoid unhealthy competition and instead focus on nurturing their families and serving as role models to younger generations through consistent acts of love.
The celebration ended with a renewed call for Catholic women to uphold the values of charity, humility and service, drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of selfless and practical love.
