Our founder

Archbishop Charles Heerey, C.S.Sp.  

Charles Heerey was born November 29, 1890, in County Cavan, Ireland, in the diocese of Kilmore. He received his high school education in Blackrock College, Dublin. He matriculated in 1910 and entered the Novitiate of the Holy Ghost Congregation. He enrolled in the Faculty of Arts in University College, Dublin, where he graduated in Theology. He was ordained a priest on September 24, 1921.

In 1922, he was appointed to the Vicariate of Southern Nigeria. He arrived in Calabar and was appointed a curate in Calabar township where he worked zealously for two years. He was then posted to Saint Paul's Seminary in Igbariam where he taught Philosophy. On February 27, 1927, he was appointed co-adjutor to Bishop Shanahan. In May 27, he was consecrated a Bishop. He succeeded Bishop Shanahan as Vicar Apostolic of Onitsha on May 21, 1931.

Archbishop Charles Heerey was deeply devoted to the Rosary throughout his life, the devotion which his flock inherited. Constant pastoral vigilance was one of the outstanding charms of his long reign of forty years. His courageous spirit was never daunted by illnesses. He was never idle. Prayer, preaching, administration of the sacraments and writings filled his days. He was ever ready to condemn abuses, but he was just as ready to console, to counsel and to encourage. His intellectual gifts and achievements were enhanced by his simple faith and piety. Whatever he taught in words, he fulfilled in deeds.

Our Congregation is a child of the inspiration he had when he went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in the early 1930s. As he was praying, he was thinking of the needs of the women of Nigeria. He got an inspiration: "Found a Congregation of indigenous women." He also founded the Saint Peter Claver Brothers, the All Hallows' Junior Seminary at Onitsha and the Bigard Memorial Senior Seminary at Enugu. He established 2,761 primary schools, 36 teacher-training colleges and 108 high schools. He also founded several Catholic hospitals.

His Grace, Archbishop Charles Heerey, C.S.Sp, went to his eternal reward on February 7, 1967. He bore his last illness with heroic patience and resignation after the manner of the saints.