…the Catholic Mothers Warning, a reminder that while modern society evolves, foundational family values must remain strong.
ONITSHA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that a strong Catholic Mothers Warning has been issued to women across Anambra State, urging them to stop delegating their core parenting responsibilities to house-helps while pursuing less meaningful engagements outside the home.
The caution came from the President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Onitsha Region, Lady Uju Ikpeama, during activities marking the 2026 Mother’s Day celebration in the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.
Speaking at the event, Ikpeama expressed concern over what she described as a growing trend among some mothers who hand over the moral, emotional, and spiritual upbringing of their children to domestic workers. According to her, such practices risk weakening family values and contributing to declining parenting standards in society.
The Catholic Mothers Warning formed a central part of discussions as Catholic mothers in Onitsha joined their counterparts globally to celebrate Mother’s Day 2026 under the theme, “True Love in Action.”
Ikpeama lamented what she described as a noticeable erosion of discipline and modesty among children, linking it partly to insufficient parental supervision.
“There is a need for mothers to be physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children,” she emphasized, calling on younger mothers to emulate the virtues, discipline, and commitment demonstrated by older generations.
She stressed that while house-helps may assist with chores, they cannot replace a mother’s guidance, correction, and spiritual leadership within the home.
Parenting experts have consistently maintained that early childhood development depends heavily on consistent parental presence. Studies show that children raised with strong parental engagement tend to demonstrate better emotional intelligence, discipline, and academic performance.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Catholic Women Organisation in the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Dr. Ngozi Nwanosike, urged mothers to remain steadfast in faith and renew their commitment to prayer as the foundation of peaceful homes.
Expanding on the Catholic Mothers Warning, Nwanosike emphasized that motherhood is not merely a social role but a divine vocation.
“Mothers exemplify divine love daily through their patience, kindness, resilience, and unrelenting support for their families,” she said.
She described mothers as pillars of faith and vital instruments of God’s love within their homes and church communities. According to her, the stability of both church and society largely depends on the moral strength of mothers.
“Mothers play a critical role in shaping lives, sustaining families through prayer, and inspiring future generations through their strength and character,” she added.
Nwanosike encouraged mothers not to be discouraged by the challenges of parenting, reminding them that their sacrifices, even when unnoticed by society, are seen and rewarded by God.
Adding a clerical perspective, one of the Onitsha Archdiocesan Chaplains of CWO, Rev. Fr. Collins Okoye, described motherhood as a sacred and divine calling rooted in love, sacrifice, and faith.
He noted that the church and broader society rely heavily on the moral example set by mothers.
“Motherhood is a vocation that shapes the moral fabric of society. The strength of our families and future generations depends greatly on the values mothers instill in their children,” he said.
Fr. Okoye urged unity among mothers, encouraging mutual support, perseverance, and commitment to Christian virtues in raising children.
The Catholic Mothers Warning, he noted, should not be interpreted as criticism but as a call to reflection and renewal of commitment to family responsibilities.
In many urban centers across Nigeria, economic pressures and social commitments have led to increased reliance on domestic workers for childcare. While such support systems may be necessary in some cases, religious and social leaders warn against allowing convenience to replace responsibility.
Observers say the Onitsha message reflects wider concerns about moral upbringing, digital exposure among children, and shifting cultural values.
With increasing access to social media and digital devices, children today face complex influences that require active parental guidance. Religious leaders argue that mothers, in particular, play a central role in shaping values, discipline, and spiritual consciousness at home.
Traditionally, Mothering Sunday in the Catholic Church is observed on the Sunday following the Solemnity of the Annunciation on March 25. However, the 2026 observance was rescheduled due to Holy Week and Easter celebrations.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria directed a uniform date nationwide to ensure coordinated celebration across dioceses.
The Mother’s Day event in Onitsha therefore became both a celebration and a moment of reflection a platform where gratitude for motherhood blended with sober reminders about responsibility.
As the 2026 Mother’s Day celebration concluded, the overarching message remained clear: motherhood demands presence, faith, discipline, and intentional love.
The Catholic Mothers Warning serves as a reminder that while modern society evolves, foundational family values must remain strong.
The iNews Times reports that religious leaders believe strengthening homes through responsible parenting remains one of the most effective ways to secure the moral and social future of the nation.
