THE AFRICAN CATHOLIC Chaplaincy in the Dublin Archdiocese celebrated Mothers’ Day in style at St Brigid’s Church in Blanchardstown earlier this month. The chaplaincy was founded a number of years ago with the aim of celebrating Catholic mass in an African style in parishes within the Dublin Archdiocese once a month.
According to Nigerian-born JK Onwumereh, a local youth officer in nearby Huntstown, the event attracted over 800 people from various African communities in Ireland.
“The inaugural event was organised to recreate how Mothers’ Day is celebrated in Africa, with mass, carnival-like festivities such as novelty football games, drama, comedy, fashion parade, cultural dances, live music, food and lots of fun.”
The idea to celebrate this year’s Mothers’ Day was initiated by the chaplain Fr Laz Iwueke in recognition of the role mothers play in nurturing children whilst building and sustaining the family unit.
The event was also used to foster a sense of integration among the members of the congregation living in Balbriggan, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Lucan, Phibsborough, Swords and Tallaght.
Guests and friends from diverse national and cultural backgrounds were also in attendance.
One of the highlights was the thanksgiving ritual in which mother-of-five Meg Offiah was honoured as the ‘Special Mother of the Day’ on account of her support for the work of the chaplaincy from inception.
A special cake was later cut by the mothers, who were entertained and feted by their children and husbands.
Speaking to Metro Éireann, Offiah said she was “surprised” at the honour, and emphasised the importance of mothers in society.
We gel the families together,” she said. “Mothers are there to pick up the pieces.”
She said the African Chaplaincy was originated to “bring the African Catholics in Ireland together” as many find it “difficult to adjust to worship here” and some depart the Catholic Church for other denominations.
Offiah, who is a secondary school teacher, said the African masses – which take place in different Dublin parishes once a month – are attuned to an African congregation through music, song and its homilies.
Africans are very expressional worshippers, she explained, and the masses are receptive to this.
The chaplaincy hopes to make the Mothers’ Day celebration an annual occasion.
