MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION AT ST MARTIN DE POORES CATHEDRAL
4/19/2026
The liturgical celebration started at about 8;15am with an entrance hymn by the CWO choir and a procession led by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald mamamm Musa flaked by the Chancellor of the diocese Very Rev. Fr. Yohanna Luka magji and the cathedral Administrator Very Rev Fr Mathias abbas Bakoshi, the lay readers and the altar servers all covered by the Mothers. (CWO)
The Kyrie and Gloria were sung joyfully.
The Liturgy of the word continued with the first reading from the book of Acts of the Apostles Acts 2:14.22-33. The Responsorial Psalm from Psalm 16 "Lord, you will show me the path of life." The second reading from 1 Peter 1:17-21. The gospel reading was proclaimed by Very Rev Fr yohanna Luka magji. Gospel of Luke 24:13-35.
In his homily,
Homily by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa
Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa appreciated mothers as both a gift to the home and a gift to the Church. He emphasised that motherhood goes beyond biological childbirth. According to him, a mother is not only one who gives birth, but also one who nurtures, cares, and raises children with love. He acknowledged women who lovingly accept and raise children not biologically theirs, noting that they fully embody true motherhood. He further recognised that, in certain circumstances, even fathers can take on nurturing roles that reflect maternal care.
He highlighted that God is a Mother. The nature of God reflects maternal qualities. This is evident in the Book of Isaiah, where God says:
> “Can a mother forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even if she may forget, I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)
This passage, he explained, reveals God’s deep, unfailing love—stronger than even the most intimate human bond.
He also pointed out that Jesus is a Mother. He expresses maternal imagery. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Christ says:
> “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…” (Matthew 23:37)
Here, Jesus compares His love and protection to that of a mother hen caring for her chicks, further demonstrating the nurturing and protective dimension of divine love.
He concluded the homily with prayers, invoking God’s blessings upon all mothers, and also praying earnestly for women seeking the fruit of the womb, that God in His mercy may grant them their heart’s desire.
