A global celebration: Mothers’ Union marks Mary Sumner Day 

On 8 and 9 August, Mothers’ Union members around the world came together to mark Mary Sumner Day and celebrate 150 years of Mothers’ Union. From cathedral services and picnics to creative displays, fellowship and thanksgiving, members reflected on Mary Sumner’s legacy and the difference Mothers’ Union continues to make in families and communities. 

Manchester Cathedral provided the setting for a special 150th anniversary service, featuring a colourful jigsaw display created by branches across the diocese. Each branch decorated a piece to show what Mothers’ Union means to them. The finished display was a lovely visual to show the make-up of our Movement and how we are all part of a bigger picture. Canon Rosemary Taylor who led the talk reflected that, ‘We are all pieces of the Mothers’ Union jigsaw. We are all different. We have different gifts, different experiences and different stories. We belong to different branches and different communities, and yet we fit together as part of one worldwide movement.’ 

In York Diocese, members of St John the Evangelist Church celebrated in one of the best ways possible – with cake and fizz! While St James’ Church in the Diocese of Carlisle hosted a special anniversary service. Members sang hymns with great gusto and heard a sermon from former Worldwide President Lynne Tembey, before gathering at the community centre for refreshments, fellowship and Mothers’ Union displays. 

More than 550 people travelled from across Ireland to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, on Sunday 9 August, including members from Zimbabwe and Malawi. The Festival Eucharist, celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackson, reflected on Mothers’ Union’s past, present and future. The service theme, ‘Join Us, Join In’, was described by All Ireland President Kay Clarke as ‘more than an invitation to mark a milestone. It was a call to share in God’s mission to belong, pray, serve and witness to Christ’s love in our homes, churches and communities.’ 

Leading the service, former Worldwide President Lady Christine Eames reflected on the organisation’s journey but also set a challenge for the future, saying: ‘We have worked together, we have prayed together through good times, through bad times.’ Looking ahead, she asked: ‘What will you and I hand on to those who come after us?’ Something for us all to reflect on as we start to close our 150th anniversary year.  

There was also a special moment in Bangor, Northwest Wales. During the celebratory service at Bangor Cathedral, the Diocese of Bangor Mothers’ Union was admitted to the Community of the Cross of Nails, the worldwide Christian network committed to peacebuilding and reconciliation. The Province of Wales has set a 150th challenge for all dioceses to be formally affiliated with the Community of the Cross of Nails, creating a lasting spiritual legacy centred on peace, reconciliation, and hope for future generations. 

The Very Revd Dr Manon Ceridwen James, Dean of Bangor Cathedral and Bishop-elect of Bangor, said: ‘The Mothers’ Union has spent 150 years turning faith into practical care for families and communities. Joining the Community of the Cross of Nails is a natural expression of that commitment. This cross will be a visible reminder of our shared calling to pray for peace, work for reconciliation and bring healing where there is division.’ 

In Winchester, the very diocese in which MU was born, Mary Sumner was remembered by the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Jamie Scott, who laid flowers on her grave in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral. The gesture was followed by Choral Evensong, marking 150 years of Mothers’ Union and honouring the lasting impact of its founder. 

Across the UK, members continued the celebrations in their own communities. Sheffield Diocese followed its 150th anniversary service with a picnic in the grounds of Sheffield Cathedral, while members from across Llandaff Diocese gathered at Margam Orangery for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. 

In Blackburn Diocese, members gathered at Blackburn Cathedral for a day featuring more than 70 Mothers’ Union branch and deanery banners, alongside displays showcasing the work taking place across the diocese. Children also created a special banner, which was later blessed by The Rt Revd Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, during the Eucharist service commemorating Mary Sumner Day. 

The celebrations reached across the world. In Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia, members hosted Sunday services to mark Mary Sumner Day and give thanks for 150 years of faith in action. In Kumasi Diocese, Ghana, members gathered at St Anne’s Anglican Church in Ashanti NewTown for a service of thanksgiving and fellowship, including the cutting of an anniversary cake. Mothers’ Union USA also marked 23 years of service alongside the organisation’s 150th anniversary with a joyful gathering and another fantastic cake. 

Whether gathered in a cathedral, sharing a picnic, creating a display or praying together, members found their own ways to remember Mary Sumner and celebrate 150 years of Mothers’ Union. Her vision continues to live out in these small and large acts of faith, service and fellowship. 

As part of the Mary Sumner Day celebrations, the Revd Sandra Birdsall, Provincial MU Chaplain in Wales, wrote this special prayer for Mothers’ Union members around the world. 

A beautiful reminder of our shared faith and calling as we continue Mary Sumner’s legacy of prayer, service and action. 

 

Could you be part of that story? If you’re inspired by the celebrations taking place around the world and want to make a difference in your own community, become a member of Mothers’ Union today.