Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, family and friends celebrated the profession of final vows of Sister Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC on November 3 in the Ancilla Domini Chapel.
Sister Nkechi, a member of the Poor Handmaid American Province was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She obtained her Masters Degree in Social Education at Manchester University in England. She was introduced to the Poor Handmaid community while in Nigeria and was impressed with their spirituality and charism of their foundress Blessed Catherine Kasper. Sister Nkechi entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Congregation in Tiefenthal, Germany in 2003 and professed her first vows on December 8, 2006. She was a pioneer member in establishing a PHC mission in Nigeria where she worked with street children and established a home for them. She also worked with children in juvenile detention centers.
Sister Nkechi came to the United States in April 2010 to work at Sojourner Truth House in Gary, Indiana as a case manager for homeless women. Sojourner Truth House, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids is a day center for homeless and at risk women and their children.
On Saturday, Sister Nora Hahn, Provincial of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ American Province received Sister Nkechi’s vows of celibacy, obedience and poverty. Father John Zemelko celebrated Mass along with Concelebrants Msgr. Thadeus Balinda; Father Chike Anyigbo, C.S.Sp; and Father Peter Osuji, C.S.Sp.
A festive dinner was held immediately after Mass. In gratitude, Sister Nkechi stated, “Words cannot begin to capture my heartfelt joy and gratitude for this day. I am thankful to all those who have supported me and continue to journey with me.”
