Committed to Extending God’s Love Through Charity
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ was founded in 1937 by Archbishop Charles Heerey C.S.Sp. in Nigeria. Through our religious consecration and profession, we conduct diverse apostolic activities to:
Our History, Our Story
The North American Mission of the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, began with the 1996 encounter of Mrs. Michelle (Shelly) Abrameit of Houston and Sr. Mary Thomas Anyanwu, IHM, who was then on Sabbatical leave with her family in Houston, Texas.
The zeal, dedication to the parish ministry, and witness of the life of Sr. Mary Thomas inspired Shelly to recommend our Institute to US Bishops. Hence in 1998, Bishop Thomas Doran of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, invited our Institute to the United States of America.
The official opening of our first mission in the United States of America was in the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois on November 24, 1998. Shelly and her family were happily present at that celebration officiated by Bishop Thomas Doran. A year later, a second convent was opened in Freeport on December 24, 1999. The sisters were actively involved in the various pastoral mission of the diocese.
Our Apostolates
Our main apostolate or advocacy is prayer. We pray the Liturgy of Hours – Lauds, Vespers, and Compline as well as the Eucharistic Adoration, Daily Family Rosary, and other common prayers. Our institute also participates in the celebration of the Sacraments by the Church. In addition from this. We promote other advocacies, including:
Other Areas of Mission
Compassion in Action
Through the financial and spiritual support of our donors and sponsors, we are able to show compassion to the poor, homeless, sick, or in need of education. Their assistance also enables us to provide quality care to our retired sisters who have dedicated their lives to fulfill their God-given purpose.
Areas of Mission
Compassion in Action
Through the financial and spiritual support of our donors and sponsors, we are able to show compassion to the poor, homeless, sick, or in need of education. Their assistance also enables us to provide quality care to our retired sisters who have dedicated their lives to fulfill their God-given purpose.