Mercy
We live under the mantle of Mary, Mother of Mercy, extending compassion to every person who seeks Christ among us.
About Us
Mater Misericordiae Catholic Parish
A Spiritan parish in Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt — where everyone matters. Discover our story, mission, clergy, and the community that gathers under Mary, Mother of Mercy.
Our story
History
No. 2 Arochukwu Street, Rumuomasi — a diversified family of faith in the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt.
Humble beginning
Mater Misericordiae began in 1957 as a small praying community of Catholic Shell Darcy staff at No. 1 Omasi Road, led by Patrick Opara Njoku. Their first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day 1958 by Rev. Fr. Doyle from St. Mary’s Parish, Aggrey Road.
Permission from Bishop Whelan of Owerri Diocese opened the way for a church and school in Rumuomasi. The first edifice rose in 1959 on land provided through Chief V. N. Obilor and Mr. Adiele Amadi.
Named by mercy
In 1960, a violent storm destroyed the building while children were learning — yet no one was harmed. The people saw Mary’s protection and named the church Mater Misericordiae, Mother of Mercy. Bishop G. M. P. Okoye, CSSp, pronounced it a parish in 1962; with a parish house completed in 1965, Rev. Fr. Horrigan became the first parish priest.
War, rebuilding, and the church of crosses
The civil war scattered clergy and faithful; soldiers occupied the premises. After the war, successive priests and lay leaders restored worship and raised a new church — completed in 1979 and known as “the church of crosses” for its distinctive perforated walls.
Consolidation to the present
From Rev. Fr. Aloysius Obi, CSSp (1979), through Spiritan pastors who built zones, expanded the church, dedicated a renewed sanctuary in 2001, and founded schools and apostolates, the parish has grown into a vibrant family of faith. Since 2022, Rev. Fr. Sabinus Nwosu, CSSp, has served as parish priest.
What we do
Mission
To spread the Gospel message as Christ directed, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and in keeping with the Traditions of the Church.
Where we are going
Vision
To build a family united in love, where cultural diversities and gifts are harnessed for the common good of the members.
Mater Misericordiae Parish… where everyone matters.
How we live
Core Values
These values flow from our patron, our motto, and the Gospel we proclaim.
Unity in diversity
We welcome the gifts of many cultures and backgrounds, harnessing them for the common good of the parish family.
Gospel fidelity
We proclaim Christ as He directed, guided by the Holy Spirit and faithful to the Traditions of the Church.
Belonging
Where everyone matters — every parishioner is known, valued, and invited to share in the life of the Church.
Prayer
From the Rosary gatherings of our founders to weekly Eucharistic Adoration, prayer remains the heart of our community.
Service
We serve through education, charity, pastoral care, and the quiet works of mercy that build up the Body of Christ.
Under her mantle
Parish Patron
Mary, Mother of Mercy
Mater Misericordiae — Mother of Mercy — is our name and our intercessor. After the miraculous preservation of children during the 1960 storm, the community entrusted itself to Our Lady under this title. We continue to seek her protection and to mirror her merciful heart in worship, charity, and daily Christian living.
Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us.
Shepherd of the flock
Parish Priest
Rev. Fr. Sabinus Nwosu, CSSp
Congregation of the Holy Spirit
Fr. Sabinus Nwosu, CSSp, has served as parish priest since 2022. A Spiritan missionary with a visionary pastoral heart, he has touched every aspect of parish life — liturgy, formation, administration, and the care of souls — inviting the whole community to grow in holiness and mission.
Spiritan community
Assistant Priests
Associate priests and Spiritan confrères serving the parish, school, and apostolic works.
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Rev. Fr. Joseph Usen, CSSp
Associate Priest & Community Superior
0803 079 2726
usenjoseph48@gmail.com -
Rev. Fr. Munachiso Igwenagu, CSSp
Associate Priest & Director II, Spiritan Healthcare Apostolate
0703 743 9100
munachiso4ever@gmail.com -
Rev. Fr. Mbakwe Nicholas, CSSp
Bursar, Mater Misericordiae Secondary School
0803 376 2798
nilakwez4z@gmail.com -
Rev. Fr. Anthony Obinwa, CSSp
Principal, Mater Misericordiae Secondary School
0706 312 8612
toniobinwa@gmail.com -
Rev. Fr. Chinedu Ibearugbulem, CSSp
Director, Holy Ghost Vocation Movement
0806 716 6859
Shared leadership
Parish Council
The Pastoral Council partners with the parish priest in the pastoral and administrative life of the parish — representing societies, zones, and ministries.
Rev. Fr. Sabinus Nwosu, CSSp
Chairman, Parish Council
Sir Ufuoma J. Oghene
Vice Chairman
Ugboaja Chioma C.
Secretary
Edward Chidinma V.
Assistant Secretary
Amb. Sado Theophilus
C.M.O. Chairman
Amb. Mrs. Amaka Iyke, FCMsp, Ph.D
C.W.O. President
Aloka Onyebuchi
CYON President
Iheanachor Okoye
Children Ministry Coordinator
Uloma Michael-Ekweh
Laity President
Ugochukwu Veronica A.
P.R.O. / Communication
Dr. Theo Osanakpo, SAN
Legal Adviser & Community Liaison I
HRH Eze Hope Godwin Worlumanekwe
Community Liaison II
Mr. Bob Anyanwu
Finance Officer I
Prosper Ikechukwu Okenwa
Finance Officer II
Dr. Emeka Ezeaku (KSM)
Thanksgiving & Projects
Dr. Jasper Osondu Nwoke
Health
Barr. Lady Veronica Efika
Education
Sir Victor C. Ogbonna
Worship I
Mrs. Chinyere Nduagwuike
Worship II
Mike Okoli
Security I
Bro. Julius Undie, KSM
Security II
Bro. Anyanwu Meltus
Parish Administrator & Sacristan
Sir Peter Chima
Catechist I
Chrisantus Osuji
Catechist II & G.R.A. Zonal Servant
Zonal servants and representatives of societies and groups also serve on the council, ensuring every corner of parish life has a voice.
Milestones
Timeline
Key moments from a praying community in 1957 to the parish family of today.
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1957
Humble beginning
Catholic staff of Shell Darcy gather at No. 1 Omasi Road under Patrick Opara Njoku to pray the Rosary.
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1958
First Mass
Christmas Day Mass is celebrated by Rev. Fr. Doyle from St. Mary’s Parish, Aggrey Road.
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1959
Church and school
The first building serving as church and school is erected on land provided through Chief V. N. Obilor and Mr. Adiele Amadi.
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1960
Mother of Mercy
A violent storm destroys the building while children are learning — with no casualties. The community names the church Mater Misericordiae.
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1962
Parish status
Bishop G. M. P. Okoye, CSSp, pronounces Mater Misericordiae a parish of the Diocese of Port Harcourt.
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1965
Full parish life
With the parish house complete, Rev. Fr. Horrigan becomes the first parish priest.
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1967–1975
War and recovery
Civil war scatters the flock; the premises are occupied. Successive priests and lay leaders reclaim and rebuild community life.
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1979
Church of crosses
The distinctive church building with cross-shaped wall perforations is completed. Rev. Fr. Aloysius Obi, CSSp, begins a long pastoral tenure.
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1990s
Zones and growth
Basic Christian communities (zones) are established. The parish continues to expand under Spiritan pastoral care.
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2001
Dedication
The expanded church is dedicated by Bishop A. O. Makozi. A parish secretariat and Mater Amabilis Kitchen follow in these years.
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2022
Present mission
Rev. Fr. Sabinus Nwosu, CSSp, becomes parish priest, shepherding every aspect of parish life today.
Life of the parish
Gallery
Glimpses of worship, community, and celebration at Mater Misericordiae. Open the full gallery for photos, videos, albums, and filters.