Norwich Cathedral will host a special festival service on 7 May 2026 at 12:00 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union. The event celebrates the long-standing international Christian charity, which was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner to support families from all walks of life.
The Mothers’ Union Diocese of Norwich plays a significant role in the local community, overseeing 23 branches across Norfolk and Waveney. The group is well-known for its regular gatherings, including Midday Prayers held at Norwich Cathedral on the first Thursday of each month.
Since its founding, the organisation has grown into a global movement with over 4 million members in approximately 84 countries. The service at the cathedral serves as a highlight of a wider celebratory programme that includes a quiet day in Walsingham this June, a picnic in the Cathedral Close in August, and tree-planting projects across the diocese.
Norwich Cathedral, a historic site that began construction in 1096, provides the setting for this milestone. Known as one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in Europe, it features England’s highest Norman tower and the country’s largest monastic cloister.
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