In 1969 Four Irish Mercy Sisters from Dungarvan, [Southern Branch] opened the first of 3 foundations in Nigeria. This was in Yola, in the north of the country.
Later in 1975 Three Sisters from Strabane [Northern Branch] opened a house in Minna.
In 1986 Four Sisters from Armagh Diocese and one from Raphoe Diocese [Northern Branch] opened a house in Lagos.
Over the years Sisters from other Irish Diocese joined each of these foundations.
In 1987 the three groups commenced a process which led to them becoming one Group, and in 1994 ‘Mercy Nigeria’ was born, becoming a Region attached to the Northern Province in Ireland.
The Lagos house closed in 1998 – the ministries were handed to Indigenous Religious Sisters
In 2013 the house in Minna closed – again handing the ministries to local Parish and Indigenous Sisters
In 2018 the last remaining Irish Sister returned to Ireland, the ministries continuing in the hands of the Indigenous groups.
From 1969 to 2018 over sixty Sisters of Mercy from Irish, Kenyan and USA Provinces/Branches, together with Sr Juliana Yarkwan, a Nigerian Mercy Sister, ministered in Nigeria.
Sr. Juliana transferred to the South Africa now ministers in the South African Branch.
Mungode Allah! (Thank you God)
