This year Mothering Sunday falls on Sunday 10th March. In the above video we talk to Dean John about the historical significance of Mothering Sunday and the role of Coventry Cathedral as Mother Church for the diocese.
Historically, Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. Its roots can be found in Christian practices dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was customary for individuals to return to their "mother church" – the main church or cathedral in their area – for a special service. This day became known as Laetare Sunday or Refreshment Sunday, a brief respite from the solemnity of Lent.
Over time, Mothering Sunday underwent a transformation, evolving from a religious observance to a celebration of maternal bonds. In 17th-century England, domestic servants were granted a rare day off to visit their families. This custom, combined with the Lenten tradition of returning to one's mother church, provided an opportunity for families to reunite and express appreciation for mothers and motherhood.
During the Victorian era, the sentimentality surrounding motherhood experienced a resurgence, spurred by the works of poets and writers such as Alfred Lord Tennyson and Charles Dickens. This period saw the emergence of Mothering Sunday as a day dedicated solely to celebrating maternal love and sacrifice, with children presenting their mothers with flowers, homemade cards, and tokens of appreciation.
Today, Mothering Sunday serves as a poignant reminder of the maternal figures who shape our lives and the importance of expressing gratitude for their love and sacrifice. In addition to honouring biological mothers, Mothering Sunday celebrates all forms of maternal care, including stepmothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other maternal figures. It is a day to acknowledge the countless ways in which these individuals support and inspire us, often with quiet strength and unwavering devotion.
Churches across the diocese mark the occasion with special services to honour Mothering Sunday. Find your nearest church at A Church Near You.