Archbishop Charles Heerey, C.S.Sp.
Founder of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ
His Life
Archbishop Charles Heerey, C.S.Sp., was an Irish missionary who gave his life to the Church in Nigeria. In 1937 he founded the Religious Institute of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ.
His concern for the status of women, the underprivileged, the sick, children and good Christian family life led to the foundation of the Institute. His daughters continue his humility and compassion for the less privileged through the care of children, education, care of the sick and pastoral work.
“Archbishop Charles Heerey, C.S.Sp. is one of those great heralds of Christ to whom the Church owes much for their promotion of their missionary activities.”
Francis Cardinal Arinze
Prayer for the Postulation and Promotion of the Cause of Archbishop Charles Heerey, C.S.Sp.
Oh Most loving and compassionate Father! You created us and sustain us in your love. You inspired your servant Archbishop Charles Heerey with a deep insight into the Mystery of your Church, the Body of Christ, and of the place of Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ in this Mystery. We thank you for the life of Archbishop Charles Heerey, whom you graciously called to follow your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, through the profession of the Evangelical Counsels. In his great desire to share his insight with others, and in filial dependence on Mary our Mother, he founded the Religious Institute of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, in Nigeria, for the continuation of his distinctive humility and compassion for the less privileged. He served you unreservedly in the pastoral care of the flock that you entrusted to him in the Church, in Nigeria.
We humbly ask you to grant us the grace to imitate his faith, ardent love for you and our Immaculate Mother Mary. With confidence, we beg you to hear our prayer for the postulation and promotion of his cause, and through his intercession, to grant us the petitions we lay before you, especially (mention your intentions here). We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen!
Jesus meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Yours! (Once)
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! (3 times)
