Our History
Historical Overview of The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy
The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy is an indigenous and missionary female Religious Institute founded in Nigeria by a priest from the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Denis Mary Joseph Ononuju Obiaga, CSsp. The Institute was established on March 19, 1983, within Nekede, Owerri, in Imo State, serving as the Mother House.
Founding Inspiration and Mission
The devastation caused by the Nigerian Biafra War led to widespread poverty, homelessness, child delinquency, teenage pregnancies, and immense human suffering. Witnessing the desperate conditions of those affected, Fr. Denis felt a deep calling to provide practical and lasting assistance. Initially, he hired people to help care for the victims, but balancing this responsibility with his pastoral duties proved challenging. Through years of prayer and consultation with his religious superiors, he was inspired to found a religious community dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in a structured and spiritual manner.
After fulfilling the necessary canonical requirements, the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy received its first Canonical Recognition from Bishop Mark Unegbu of Owerri Diocese on March 19, 1983. The Institute's mission is twofold:
Primary Apostolate: The personal sanctification and salvation of its members.
Secondary Apostolate: The practical work of charity for the poor and marginalized, including protecting the rights of the unborn child and rehabilitating their mothers.
Commitment to Religious Life and Apostolate
To uphold its primary apostolate, the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy take public vows of Chastity, Obedience, and Poverty, living in community as a sign of their total dedication to God.
For its secondary apostolate, aimed at alleviating suffering and empowering the needy, the Institute operates:
Homes for the Poor and Destitute
Orphanages
Skill Acquisition Centres
Hospitals
Free Counselling Centres
Soup Kitchens
Schools
These initiatives provide both immediate relief and long-term empowerment, helping individuals transition from dependency to self-reliance.
Global Mission and Presence
The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy has expanded its mission beyond Nigeria, with active ministries in:
Benin Republic
Congo Brazzaville
France
Germany
Italy
United Kingdom
United States of America
In these countries, the sisters carry out their apostolate in response to the specific needs of local communities, ensuring that their mission of compassion, service, and empowerment reaches the most vulnerable.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy continues to offer hope and transformation to the poor and marginalised, fulfilling the vision of its founder, Fr. Denis Mary Joseph Ononuju Obiaga, CSsp. Through faith, service, and dedication, the Institute remains committed to its mission of sanctification and charitable outreach, embodying the love and mercy of Christ in a broken world.
