By: Peace Chidindu
The Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy, on Monday, June 1, 2026, led by Mother Lucia Maroor, the Superior General, paid a courtesy visit to His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese.
The Congregation of the Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy (SOM) is an international order of Catholic women founded on May 16, 1821, in Rome, Italy, by Princess Teresa Orsini Doria Pamphilj Landi. They are dedicated to assisting the sick, suffering, and marginalized. Opening nearly 70 missions across 13 countries, the sisters live out a vow of hospitality through compassionate healthcare, education, and social support for the disenfranchised.
The visit provided an opportunity for the sisters to renew their commitment towards assisting in the health apostolate of the diocese. Together with the bishop at the meeting were Very Rev. Fr. Godson Okoro, Vicar General, and Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Mbata, Chancellor/Secretary.
Speaking during the visit, the bishop warmly welcomed the superior general together with Sr. Monica Chikwe, Superior Delegate for the Nigerian delegation; Sr. Dr. Bernadette Onuoha, councilor; and Sr. Monica Nnajiuba, councilor. The prelate equally demonstrated openness to accept them to collaborate with the diocese, especially in the diocesan hospitals, and also the College of Nursing Sciences.
The Superior General expressed gratitude for the warm reception while affirming the congregation’s dedication and readiness in rendering quality health care services and equally thanked the Bishop for offering them a residential area at Elekenowasi Obohia, Ahiazu Mbaise, where they intend to institute the Annunciation Community.
The visit concluded with prayers and a renewed spirit of collaboration.
For historical purposes, the Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy had previously worked in the Ahiara Diocese, following the invitation extended by the late bishop of the Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Victor Adibe Chikwe. However, the congregation temporarily closed its convents in the diocese and withdrew the members for a period.
The diocese is therefore delighted to witness their return and their readiness in strengthening the health care apostolate of the diocese.
