In a Mass celebrated on Aug. 10 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, several women from the Nigerian Catholic Women's Organization gathered for an historic event. The women all received the title "Ezinne" -- Good Mother. It seems that this is the first time such an event was celebrated outside of Nigeria. The title is an Igbo word, one of the several native languages of Nigeria, and is given to mothers who are first and foremost set as examples of virtue within their communities.

As Uche Uchendu relates, they "have rendered valued and remarkable service to the Church." They are already admired and respected within the community for being "custodians of love, peace and until; as well as for being beacons of hope and models of good leadership."

Central Region Bishop Robert Hennessey was the principal celebrant of the Mass. Local priests, including some native Nigerians and those working in the Nigerian Catholic Apostolate, joined him. Following the Mass there was a festive dinner featuring Nigerian dishes and music.