By Peace Omozusi Uzama
The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SSH), has a unique history and mission.
It is a Roman Catholic female Religious Institute founded on April 6, 1975, by the Late Most Rev. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, the Emeritus Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese.
In the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the then Bishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu envisioned an indigenous female Religious Institute that would promote healing, unity, and reconciliation among Nigerians.
Recognizing the devastating effects of tribal animosity and hatred, he established the Institute on a foundation of love, welcoming women from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
This visionary approach embodied the Gospel prayer of Jesus Christ: “That they may be one” (John 17:21). Reflecting this ideal, the Institute adopted the motto “Ut unum sint” – “That they may be one” – and a heartfelt greeting: “In Jesus, we are one!”
On August 24, 1986, during one of the Institute’s temporary Religious Profession of Vows, the Father Founder opined “In the spirit of Christ and His Church I am sending you to be a sign of God’s presence among His children, to salvage the battered image of the Nigerian womanhood, to reform morals, to bring care and upliftment to the downtrodden, to bring the light of the Gospel to those in darkness and superstition, spiritual freedom to those enslaved by their desires and sins, faith to the doubtful, hope to the despondent, love to those rejected by the society, succour to the ailing in spirit and joy to the sorrowing, in short, to be a leaven of our society and recreate a world fit for our God.”
Read Also: Gender mainstreaming key to reducing civilian casualty during conflict, says NDC commandant
To this day, the Sisters remain committed to fostering unity and love, bridging ethnic and tribal divides across Nigeria and beyond. As African daughters living the spirit of the Gospel, they seamlessly integrate their cultural heritage into their lives, embracing the continent’s rich values and traditions.
Their distinctive religious habit proudly reflects this African identity, featuring traditional hand-woven “Aso-Oke” fabrics crafted into a vibrant blue and white buba and wrapper, symbolizing the dignity and beauty of African womanhood.
Dedicated to evangelization and service, the SSH focus on promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, empowering and uplifting marginalized women, providing education through school and community development initiatives, offering compassionate care through hospital ministry and counseling services, and collaborating in pastoral ministry to support the local community.
As the SSH marks her Golden Jubilee, they reflect on their blessings and losses, gratefully acknowledging their service to humanity. One poignant loss still deeply felt is the heroic sacrifice of Sr. Dr. Henrietta Ebosiogwe Alokha, SSH.
Like the selfless Pelican, symbolized in the ancient hymn “Pie Pellicane Iesu Domine” (O good Pelican, Jesus my Lord), Sr. Henrietta gave her life to save others on March 15, 2020, during a devastating gas pipeline explosion at Bethlehem Girls College, Abule Ado, Lagos. She courageously evacuated all 200 students from the collapsing building, ultimately surrendering her own life in the process.
Sr. Josephine Ebuehi, SSH, the present Superior General of the Institute, in a recent interview said: “Late Sr. Henrietta embodied the spirit of the Religious Institute – the spirit of love, which she depicted even unto death. This is the same spirit of love that forms our essence as an Institute, as well as in the discharging of our work of service to humanity. Her sacrifice will always be remembered.”
In honour of Sr. Dr. Henrietta’s legacy, the Institute established the Sr. Henrietta Alokha Endowment Fund for Indigent Children (SHAEFIC), which provides educational opportunities to underprivileged children, with a special focus on empowering young girls through education.
Through their ministry of presence, the Institute has established a strong presence in Nigeria, operating in 20 communities across the Country, as well as in 4 communities overseas.
The Institute is grateful to God for all that He has done for them, all that He has made possible through their ministries for the past 50 years of their existence, while trusting Him to continue to uphold them in His Sacred Heart.
Embracing their African heritage and fostering unity among diverse cultures, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus incarnate love, compassion, and selfless service to humanity.
With hearts open to welcome young Catholic women from every tribe and tongue, they invite those with a deep faith in God and a willingness to follow in Christ’s footsteps to join them in this noble service to humanity. Rooted in the conviction that “in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11), they radiate joy, peace, and hope to all they serve.
Heartfelt congratulations to our dear Sisters on this milestone occasion! Your unwavering dedication to God’s work through evangelization and your consecrated life is truly inspiring. May this Golden Jubilee celebration be filled with joy, gratitude, and blessings.
50 Hearty Cheers to many more years of faithful service!