Fr Innocent sdb
Don Bosco Kohima
As the mist settles over the peaks of Mount Puliebadze and the bells of the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral echo through our streets, we find ourselves at the threshold of a beautiful celebration. In our Naga homes, where the hearth is the centre of life, Mother’s Day carries a weight of gold. We often address God as "Father," a title of strength and protection. Yet, as we look into the eyes of our own mothers, we catch a glimpse of the "Motherly Heart" of the Divine—a love that is as fierce as it is tender.
The First Gospel: A Mother’s Smile
Pope St. John Paul II famously wrote that a mother’s experience makes her become "God’s own smile" upon the newborn child. For a child, a mother’s smile is the very first gospel they read. Before they can understand a sermon or recite a prayer, they see their mother’s face and learn they are loved, safe, and significant. In our Naga parishes, from Viswema to Kohima Village, this "smile of God" is reflected in the eyes of every woman who holds her child close during the Eucharist, guiding their first steps and anchoring them through life.
The Biblical Architecture of Divine Nurture
The Holy Scriptures frequently reach for "mother-language" to describe God’s most intense commitment. In the Book of Isaiah, God asks: "Can a woman forget her nursing child... even these may forget, yet I will not forget you" (Isaiah 49:15). This is more than poetry; it is a visceral promise that God’s love is even more foundational than the biological bond of the womb.
The Mother Eagle: Hovering over her young and catching them on her wings (Deuteronomy 32:11). The Mother Bear: Fiercely protective and righteous in her love (Hosea 13:8). The Searching Woman: Lighting a lamp and sweeping the house to find a single lost coin—a meticulous, domestic, and personal search for a "precious treasure" (Luke 15:8-10).
Even the parable of the Prodigal Son reveals the "profile of a mother" in the father’s response. When he runs to embrace his child, he bypasses all demands for excuses, reacting with a "womb of compassion" and a hug that transcends words.
A Legacy Written in the Naga Soul
In Nagaland, the "Motherly Heart" is the backbone of our domestic and social affairs. Historically, Naga mothers were the Pukrelia—peace ambassadors who enjoyed full diplomatic immunity. When men waged war, these women could walk onto the battlefield to stop the fighting, respected by all as the "givers of life".
This legacy of mediation continues today through the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and their theme, "Shed No More Blood". By adopting the name "Mother," they leverage a cultural endearment that translates traditional roles into modern political agency. We see this same respect in our domestic customs: many Naga parents actually prefer their first-born child to be female, recognizing that the eldest daughter is the most competent and helpful in sustaining the household value system.
Wisdom from the Cathedral and the Hills
Pope Francis has warned that a world without mothers is a "merciless" society that loses its "feel of home". He identifies the "maternal gaze" as essential—a gaze that sees children rather than sinners. Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima echoes this, describing parents as "co-creators with God" and urging them to focus on the "formation of the heart and emotions" of our youth rather than just filling their heads with information.
In 2026, we celebrate the achievements of Naga women who embody this heart: Ponglem Konyak: Recipient of the NSCW Excellence Award 2026 for her community service. Apeuna Iheilung: Honoured for her leadership in the Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation. M. Daoje Phom: A role model and organic farmer who has empowered hundreds of rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The Science of Maternal Influence: 2026 Insights
Motherhood is a vital necessity for a healthy society. Data from the 2025-2026 period shows that Naga women are making commendable strides in education, now forming the majority in medical and teaching professions. Research indicates that maternal education is the strongest predictor of child health. Children of educated mothers are more likely to receive immunizations and support at home.
Prosociality: A mother's interaction is systematically related to a child's kindness; studies show high maternal engagement correlates with a 22.6% higher rate of prosociality (helping and cooperating) in elementary children.
Brain Development: A stable, responsive mother is critical for healthy neurological development. Without this presence, children often face heightened anxiety and stress responses later in life.
As we join the 2026 Mother’s Day themed "The Great Unburdening " let us celebrate with intentional acts of love. Bishop James Thoppil reminds us that "time, attention, and presence" are the greatest gifts we can offer. Promoting the use of our local dialects (mother tongue) at home honours the mother's role as the first teacher of our identity. Create a "spiritual bouquet"—promises of prayers, Rosaries, or acts of kindness—presented as a token of appreciation. Remember our cultural roots, such as the use of topha (duck) broth for the sick and superfoods like Akini (Perilla) for postnatal recovery.
The Infinite Comfort
God is indeed our Father, but He loves us with the heart of a Mother. He "carries us in His heart forever" and pities every groan we utter. This Mother’s Day, let us look at our mothers and see "God's own smile" upon us. Let us resolve to build a better Nagaland by honouring the women who have been our first doctors, teachers, and ambassadors of peace.
By honouring the mothers in our midst—those with us and those in the communion of saints—we honour the God who gave us birth and who will never, ever let us go.
