<P> The Epistle for the fourth Sunday in Lent as set out in the Book of Common Prayer and The 1962 Missal of Roman Catholic Church give a special place to the theme of maternal love: Galatians 4: 26 states that "Jerusalem which is above is free; which is Mother of us all ." </P> <P> Another tradition associated with Mothering Sunday is the practice of "clipping the church", whereby the congregation form a ring around their church building and, holding hands, embrace it . </P> <P> For some Church of England churches, it is the only day in Lent when marriages can be celebrated . </P> <P> During the church services held many churches give the children in the congregation a little bunch of spring flowers to give to their mothers . </P>

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