Eucharistic Love in Action
Our Congregation
The Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus are a religious congregation of women whose love and service of God and neighbor take their inspiration from the Heart of Christ, who gave us the Eucharist. The Sisters who serve in western Skagit County belong to this worldwide family.
Our Beginnings
1940
A need is named
Visiting Lagos as the Holy See’s delegate, Cardinal Riberi noticed that there were no African women among the Sisters serving there, and urged that Nigeria have Sisters of its own.
1943
The congregation is founded
Archbishop Leo Hale Taylor of the Society of African Missions — born in the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, and Archbishop of Lagos — founded the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. The first five postulants began at Abeokuta under Mother Enda Barrett, OLA.
1946
A motherhouse at Ibonwon
The novitiate and motherhouse moved to Ibonwon, where generations of Sisters have been formed in prayer, study, and community life.
Today
A missionary family
From those five postulants has grown a congregation whose Sisters teach, care for the sick, and serve in parishes — in Nigeria and in communities far beyond it.
A Eucharistic Spirituality
The word Eucharist means thanksgiving, and gratitude to God runs through the Sisters’ whole day. Their founder asked above all that the life of every Sister be centered on the daily celebration of the Eucharist.
From the altar they take their pattern of life: as the Eucharist is taken, broken, and shared, so the Sisters give themselves in simplicity, sacrifice, and service of their neighbor. The Sisters have a phrase for it — Eucharistic Love in Action.
Life Together
The Sisters are bound to one another by a single love, their Eucharistic Lord. In each convent they pray in common, share their meals as a family, and carry one another’s joys and burdens.
Time is set aside each day for recreation, and feast days and birthdays are kept with gladness — small things that keep sisterly charity strong.
Formed for a Lifetime
The founder wanted Sisters who were both holy and well prepared, and he asked that formation never be hurried. A woman’s first years in the congregation are given to prayer, learning, and coming to know its spirit.
Study continues long after first vows. Sisters of the congregation have trained in medicine, law, catechesis, social work, and the media, and bring that learning to their service.
Serving Christ in Others
Whatever the work, the Sisters understand it as a share in the mission of Christ, offered for the greater glory of God.
Teaching
Forming children and young people in faith and learning.
Health Care
Caring for the sick with skill and compassion.
Social Outreach
Care for the poor and vulnerable, wherever the need is greatest.
Pastoral Ministry
Service in parishes — sacramental preparation, visiting, and leading prayer.
Media
Sharing the Gospel and the Sisters’ witness through the media.
Hospitality and Retreats
Welcoming guests and pilgrims for retreats, conferences, and rest.
Learn More
The congregation shares its news, history, and vocations information on its own website. Closer to home, you are always welcome to meet the Sisters who serve our parishes.