The Embassy of Cameroon Celebrates Mother’s Day with Special Mass in The Hague
To mark Mother’s Day 2026, the Embassy of Cameroon, led by H.E. Mme Ligeumoh Ondoua Madeleine, organized a special thanksgiving Mass at the Roman Catholic Parish Church of Our Saviour in The Hague on the Sixth Sunday of Easter.
During the service, Father Sjaak de Boer extended warm Mother’s Day wishes to all mothers present and also conveyed his best wishes ahead of Cameroon’s upcoming National Day celebrations. He praised what he described as a “beautiful donation” made by the Embassy of Cameroon to three homeless food shelters in The Hague — a humanitarian gesture aimed at supporting vulnerable members of the community in the Hague, in The Netherlands.
Following the Mass, the Embassy hosted a reception in the church atrium where snacks and refreshments were served to guests and worshippers.
Father Sjaak expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of Cameroon, H.E. Mme Ligeumoh Ondoua Madeleine, as well as the diplomats and guests who attended in solidarity on what he described as a beautiful and meaningful occasion honoring mothers.
In his sermon, Father Sjaak reflected on the significance of the month of May in the Catholic tradition, noting that it is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. He emphasized that Mary remains a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and unwavering love — qualities that continue to inspire mothers around the world today.
He spoke movingly about the struggles many mothers endure, especially those who stand by their children through difficult and uncertain times. Referencing the suffering of Mary at the crucifixion of Jesus, Father Sjaak noted that losing a child or witnessing a child suffer is among life’s greatest sorrows and challenges.
He also paid tribute to mothers and maternal figures who dedicate their lives to caring for others — including those who support street children, adopt orphans from conflict zones, volunteer in communities, and guide young people through acts of service and compassion.
Calling on congregants to become “doers of the word,” Father Sjaak encouraged everyone to live through love, kindness, and service to humanity. He stressed the importance of treating others with dignity and working toward a society built on equality, compassion, and shared responsibility.
He further remarked that motherhood and fatherhood are not defined solely by biology, but by the love, care, and responsibility shown toward children and society. True parenting, he said, is earned through selfless acts of love and commitment.
Referring to Mother Teresa, Father Sjaak recalled her words: “With every child I take into my care, I heal a broken world,” emphasizing that this message remains relevant for children living both in war zones and in peaceful societies.
The priest also linked his message of healing and unity to Cameroon’s 54th National Day celebrations, describing Cameroon as a young nation striving to bring people together across linguistic, cultural, and tribal differences. He commended Ambassador Ligeumoh Ondoua Madeleine for promoting unity, hope, and service beyond politics through her diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
Father Sjaak also highlighted the collaboration between the Embassy of Cameroon and local refugee support initiatives, particularly an upcoming football match involving Cameroonians, refugees, and participants from various African and European countries. He revealed that more than 120 footballers had already registered for the event, describing it as a powerful example of how sports and community engagement can foster friendship, solidarity, and social inclusion.
He concluded by affirming that hope speaks for itself when people come together in joy, love, and mutual support — becoming, in his words, “healers of the world” and role models for future generations.
The celebration ended on a warm and festive note with refreshments offered by the Embassy of Cameroon to all attendees at the church in The Hague.
