Mothering Sunday: Catholic priest tasks mothers on the proper upbringing of the girl child

By George Aluo

A Catholic priest, Rev Fr Francis Iwuh, OSA has charged mothers to ensure the proper upbringing of their children, especially the girl child.

Fr Iwu who spoke while delivering his homily during the mass to celebrate Mother’s Day ( Mothering Sunday) at St. Vincent Catholic Church, Olodi Apapa, Lagos in South West, Nigeria noted that mothers would be failing the society and the church without being disciplinarians at home.

Quoting from the scriptures (Proverbs 22: 6 and 1 Timothy 2:15) the Augustinian priest said children would only grow up to become responsible citizens of the world if they receive proper home training from their mothers.

He observed that several mothers rather than teaching their daughters the way of God encourage them to become “baby oku” the Igbo word for “hot chick.”

The priest while congratulating the mothers on their day however harped on the need for mothers to be well taken care of insisting that a mother who has suffered to bring up his children deserves to be given good attention in her old age.

He said children who neglect their mother, waiting only to give her “a befitting burial” when she is no more would incur the wrath of God.

“If you are here listening to me and you are one of those waiting to build a mansion when your mother is dead, waiting to give her a befitting burial without taking care of her now, don’t forget God is watching,” he warned.

It would be noted that millions of Catholics all over world is today celebrating Mothering Sunday which this year also fell on the feast of Divine Mercy.