The New Evangelization Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (NES) are a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1993 in the Diocese of Issele-Uku, Nigeria, under the inspiration and pastoral leadership of Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji. Rooted in the missionary spirit promoted by St. John Paul II, the congregation was born from a desire to renew and strengthen the Christian faith through living witness, catechesis, and direct evangelization. Today, the Sisters continue to serve as a vital presence in communities across Nigeria and beyond, guiding both new and long-standing Catholics to a deeper relationship with Christ.

The Vision of Bishop Anthony O. Gbuji

Bishop Anthony O. Gbuji (b. 1937), originally from Onitsha, Nigeria, spent many decades in priestly and episcopal ministry, serving first as Bishop of Issele-Uku and later as Bishop of Enugu. Deeply influenced by the teachings of Vatican II and the call to renewal in the Church, he dedicated his life to building vibrant Christian communities rooted in faith and service.

During St. John Paul II’s visit to Nigeria in 1982, the Pope emphasized a “New Evangelization—new in ardor, in methods, and in expression.” This message profoundly touched Bishop Gbuji. He recognized a particular need to support the faith life of ordinary Catholics, especially in rural communities, where catechesis and ongoing formation were sometimes difficult to sustain.

His early efforts, including strengthening the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and developing Small Christian Communities, highlighted both the potential and the challenges of lay-led evangelization. When he encountered the International Catholic Programme of Evangelization (ICPE) in Rome in 1988, Bishop Gbuji saw a model of joy-filled missionary discipleship that could be adapted to the pastoral reality of his diocese. This insight became the seed of something new.

Founding of the Congregation

In 1993, encouraged by young women who desired to dedicate their lives to evangelization, Bishop Gbuji founded the New Evangelization Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The aim was simple yet profound: to form women religious who would commit themselves entirely to Christ for the spreading of the Gospel, the catechetical formation of new believers, and the strengthening of the faith of already practicing Catholics.

The first four pioneer members—Sisters Clementina Emechebe, Justina Nwaobi, Anthonia Anusiobi, and ThereseAnn Nwagwu—underwent initial formation at the Emmaus School of Evangelization. Their early years were marked by simplicity, sacrifice, and trust in God’s providence. Material resources were minimal, yet the enthusiasm for mission was abundant.

Growth Through Challenges and Witness

The young congregation quickly entered into apostolic work, including community evangelization, catechesis in parishes, and support for newly established Christian communities. The Sisters also experienced hardship, including poverty, difficult living conditions in mission houses, and moments of profound loss. Yet, these challenges became a testimony to their perseverance and faith in God.

Over time, the congregation expanded beyond the Diocese of Issele-Uku, establishing communities in other dioceses within Nigeria and eventually abroad. The presence of Sisters in Burkina Faso, Botswana, and missionary engagements in Tanzania reflects their readiness to serve wherever the Gospel is needed.

Charism and Spiritual Identity

The charism of the Congregation is to imitate Christ who proclaimed the Kingdom of God with conviction, compassion, and tireless dedication. For the Sisters, evangelization is not simply one ministry among others—it is their life’s purpose. They are “set apart for the Gospel of God” (Rom 1:1), and their work is understood as a “thorough ongoing service” (2 Tim 4:5).

Their spiritual life is shaped by devotion to the Holy Spirit and the maternal protection of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, whom they honor as patroness and guide. Special feasts such as Pentecost, the Annunciation, and their Foundation Day on July 1 hold deep meaning for them, reminding the Sisters of their call to be docile instruments of God’s grace.

Apostolic Ministries

The apostolate of the New Evangelization Sisters reflects a balanced integration of prayer, service, and pastoral presence. Their ministries include:

Primary Apostolate

• Direct evangelization through parish missions and retreats
• Catechesis and religious instruction
• Collaboration with clergy and lay ministers
• Formation programs through Schools of Evangelization

Secondary Apostolate

• Community development initiatives
• Media and communications for faith outreach
• Care for the elderly and sick, especially priests and members of their congregation

The Sisters also sustain themselves and support their ministries through work such as:

• Bread and altar host baking
• Tailoring of liturgical vestments and church garments
• Educational institutions at multiple levels
• Orphanage and elder care services
• Bookshops and small-scale production projects

A Growing Family of Faith

After decades of committed service and growth, the Congregation received canonical recognition as a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right in 2017. This milestone affirmed the stability, maturity, and spiritual fruitfulness of the community within the life of the Catholic Church.

Today, the New Evangelization Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Help continue to expand in number and mission. Their presence is a reminder that the Gospel remains ever new—and that God continues to call women to witness boldly, joyfully, and compassionately in a world longing for hope.

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The story of the New Evangelization Sisters is a story of faith in action—born from the pastoral heart of Bishop Anthony Gbuji, nurtured in simplicity and perseverance, and sustained through the power of the Holy Spirit. Their mission is not merely to teach the Gospel, but to live it, forming communities of faith wherever they serve.

Their journey continues, revealing that evangelization flourishes most deeply when rooted in prayer, community, and a love that reflects Christ’s own.

Contact:

• Address: Issele-Uku Delta State, 234, Nigeria
• Telephone: +234 912 828 5691
• Email: joannesasikaogu@gmail.com