Above: Bishop Lucia and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, on June 29.
By Sister Mary Anulichukwu Emebo
A great celebration on June 29, officiated by Bishop Douglas J. Lucia, highlighted a significant milestone — 25 years of dedicated service in the Diocese of Syracuse and 25 years of God’s love and mercy toward the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ.
Like Saints Peter and Paul, whose feast was celebrated that day, His Lordship enjoined all to encounter Jesus, and to share that encounter with neighbors despite the pain that Christ’s love might cause us to endure.
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ (The Sisters) were invited to the Diocese of Syracuse by the late Bishop James M. Moynihan in the year 2000. The pioneer Sisters Miriam Regina Onyeke, Mary Joana Baidoo, and Mary Luciana Wanyahoro, respectively, arrived in the Diocese around March 2000 to begin their mission.
This Missionary Religious Institute was founded on Oct. 7, 1937, by an Irish missionary to Nigeria, the Most Rev. Charles Heerey of blessed memory. Like the mustard seed, this religious institute grew and spread to different parts of the world, particularly many countries in Africa, Europe, and North America. Currently, they have nine religious houses in the North American region to which the Syracuse community belongs. The Sisters have served various apostolates in Syracuse, which include pastoral work, ministering to the poor and the needy, and teaching Bishop Grimes Junior/Senior High School in East Syracuse.
Presently, four sisters are serving in different apostolates in the Syracuse community.
• Sr. Mary Anulichukwu Emebo, the local Superior, ministers as the chaplain at Upstate University Hospital.
• Sr. Mary Joana Baidoo, ministers as the pastoral assistant at St. Vincent Parish and Blessed Sacrament, serving immigrants and refugees.
• Sr. Maria Chiazoka Amaefule works as a dialysis nurse at Upstate University Hospital in Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
• Sr. Mary Teonilla Chukwu serves as a mental health counselor at Joseph’s House for Women.
God, in his infinite goodness, guided and guarded this religious institute from 2000 to the present. 2025 marks the Institute’s Jubilee Year of Service, causing her to celebrate God’s unfathomable love.
We are grateful to our bishop, priest, and religious as well as all friends always ready to lend a hand.
