Celebrating the Mass for Mothering Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the Parish Priest of St Paul’s Parish, Angwan Sarki, Rev. Fr. Benedict Nkom lauded parents, especially mothers, for sending their children to catechism classes. Observing that some Catholic youths are confused, the priest implored members of Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria (CWON), of the parish to follow up on those who miss Masses and other church activities.
The clergyman also tasked lukewarm Catholics to put what they have been taught into practice. He leaned on the day’s Gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35), on the journey to Emmaus, in asserting that the two disciples of Jesus, who, out of discouragement and confusion headed to Emmaus, translated their experience with Jesus into positive action by returning to Jerusalem to share that experience with the rest of the disciples.
“The Church has done so much for us.” He acknowledged. “Permit me to praise our parents, because our parents, especially our mothers forced us to go for catechism. But unfortunately, a lot of Catholics are ashamed of our faith, because they do not want Pentecostals to know that they are Catholics. When at home, they pray before meal. But when the go to places like Chicken Republic, Mr. Biggs, Tantalizers, and the rest, they do not pray. Some of us are ashamed of posting things about our faith on their whatsapp status and other social media platforms.”
“The consequence of the Resurrection is a transformed life: from closed eyes to opened eyes. What is the consequence of your faith? How many years have you been a Catholic? How much has it affected your life? How much have you helped to build the Church? Are you helping to build it or to spoil it? Please our mothers, help us especially with the students. A lot of them are confused. If you do not see them, send for them.”
To the lukewarm, “You have received baptism. You have been confirmed. You are a communicant. What is the impact of your faith? After Jesus disappeared after the Breaking of Bread, His disciples went back to Jerusalem, where they were running from. They went to the other disciples to testify and share their experience with the other disciples. Our faith is beautiful. Our faith is wonderful. Share it.”
