An attitude of gratitude for the work of mothers in developing families, churches and villages was alive and well on the shores of the big island of Savai'i.

On Sunday, residents of the big island joined the rest of the world to honour mothers by spoiling them with gifts, clothes, shoes, food and much more. 

At Matavai Savai'i, all the mothers were dressed up in white dresses and yellow scarves. Yellow was chosen as the theme colour for this year's Mothers day as it represents, "happiness, clarity, and sunshine."

The women of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) at Matavai were able to deliver very important messages to the congregation through skits, songs and dances. 

Something they were able to put together in one week prior to this Sunday. 

However, Reverend Lauititi Vaega of the C.C.C.S  Matavai highlighted that Mother's day is not about gifts and material things. 

"It is a day to remember the important roles our mother's play not only in our families but also in our villages, communities, and countries. 

"We sometimes take for granted the hard work our mothers do, so today, we get to simply thank them for their sacrifices, for their sweat and their never-ending prayers. 

"Therefore, today we must all give thanksgiving to God for our mothers."

It is also a day to reflect on the journey our fore-mothers took for us to get to where we are now today, says Reverend Lauititi. 

"Today we remember their sacrifices and we pay tribute to the work they had done so we can be blessed."

A moment of silence was offered to remember those mothers who have passed on. 

At the C.C.C.S Faletagaloa, normal service was conducted and it was the first time they celebrated mother's day without any special program dedicated to mothers. 

However, their service was guided by the theme, "Mother; a candle in the wind."

Candles according to Reverend Vaueli Sanerivi of the C.C.C.S Faletagaloa "symbols of limited duration."

"Their flame is, in a way, delicate," said Reverend Vaueli. 

"They burn brightly, which symbolizes production and value. The wind can prematurely snuff out that already transient life.

"However, a mother who relies on the Lord and trust in the Lord with all her heart, no wind or storm will keep her from burning and shining for the people she loves."

Olive Leilua Mua'au of Faletagaloa got emotional when asked about how she felt.

"Nothing pleases me more than to spend this day with my children and grandchildren," she said while trying to hold back her tears. 

"I have been stuck in this wheel-chair for so many years, and I am grateful to the Lord that I am able to come this far.

"I was hoping to see my children and grandchildren residing overseas, however, they were not able to come because of the lockdown. 

"But knowing that they are well and safe is enough for me and I can not wait to see them again."

She also used the opportunity to wish all the mothers a happy mother's day this year.