Why Nigeria denominations, other countries celebrate Mothering Sunday at different dates

The Catholic Church Mother's Day 2026 is being celebrated today, Sunday, April 19, 2026; while the Anglican and other denominations often follow the Mothering Sunday date of March 15, 2026. 

In Nigeria, Mother's Day 2026 is observed on different dates based on denomination. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria directed that the Mother's Day takes place today.

Mothering Sunday in UK, Ireland, Nigeria hold 4th Sunday in Lent (for the Anglican). That means 3 weeks before Easter Sunday.  

Easter is set as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21. So Lent shifts, and Mothering Sunday shifts with it.

Origin: 

It’s a Christian tradition from the 16th century. People would return to their “mother church” — the main church or cathedral in their area — for a special service. Domestic servants got the day off to visit family. Over time “mother church” became about honoring mothers too. In Nigeria, churches still call it Mothering Sunday and celebrate it during Lent.

Mother’s Day is different. It's fixed on 2nd Sunday in May. This version was started in 1908 by Anna Jarvis in the US as a secular holiday to honor mothers. US President Woodrow Wilson made it official in 1914. Most countries copied the American date.

Other countries do their own thing such as Mexico on May 10, and France, every Last Sunday in May, unless it clashes with Pentecost, then 1st Sunday in June.

Nigeria uses Mothering Sunday in churches because of Anglican/Catholic influence from the UK. It follows the liturgical calendar, so it moves. 

But people also celebrate the American Mother’s Day in May because of global media. That’s why it feels like there are two dates.

Council Chairman Celebrate Mothers

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman, ‎Oji River Local Government Area, Mr Greg Anyaegbudike, has extolled the quite strength of mothers, which he said holds millions of homes.

Anyaegbudike in a congratulatory message, on Sunday, felicitated with Christian mothers as they mark Mothering Sunday in some denominations worldwide.

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He said, "‎As we mark Mothering Sunday, I extend warm greetings to all mothers on behalf of the Government and people of Oji River Local Government Area, especially our Catholic Church mothers in Oji River and beyond who celebrate today.

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"‎Your love, care, and selfless sacrifice hold our families, the Church, and the society together. For the homes you manage, we are grateful. We see your love. 

"We see the quiet strength, the late nights, the prayers, and the sacrifices you make, from raising families to building the moral and social foundations of our society."

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‎The chairman noted that impact of a mother is beyond measure, adding that his administration values everyday positive contributions of mothers to the council area.

"We honour you today, and we value you every day. God bless and strengthen all mothers. Your love builds the world," he said. 

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