Sister Helen Onyiuke was born on 1st August 1936 in Nimo, Njikoka L.G.A., Anambra State, Nigeria. She was the youngest child of her parents. Sr. Helen entered the Holy Rosary Congregation in Killeshandra, Co. Cavan, Ireland, on 2nd February 1963, and made her First Profession there on 14 August 1965. She was invited to Ireland in August 2015 for her Golden Jubilee, and she had a very happy reunion and celebration here with those in her set.

Before Helen entered the Congregation, she trained and qualified with Teacher’s Certificate from Adazi Training College.

Sr. Helen attended Holy Rosary Secondary School, Ihioma where she did her GCE O & A levels. 
She was assigned to the Central Region, Ireland for study purposes in Bridgewater, England, and she returned to Nigeria in 1970. She then studied at the University of Nsukka and qualified in 1973 with Honors in B.A. French, having studied French, English, and Russian in her first year. In 1974, she did one year Formation Course in Ballinter, Navan, Ireland, after which she was assigned to Formation ministry in Nsukka, Southern Nigeria.

Assignments/Appointments

Southern Nigeria, Nsukka Local Superior 1974-1977

Southern Nigeria, Nsukka Directress of Novices 1975-1985

Sierra Leone, Makeni Pastoral Ministry/Teaching 1986-1993

South Africa, Sibasa Pastoral Ministry 1996-2000

South Africa, Malamulele Pastoral Ministry 2001-2003

Southern Nigeria, Nsukka Director of Retreat &
Conference Centre, Nsukka 2003-2007

Southern Nigeria, Wuse, Abuja Fundraising & Parish Work 2007-2018

Sr.Helen blended her natural giftedness in people-relationship with her training in: Formation, 1974; Spiritual Direction at the Jesuit Centre, Manresa, Dublin, 1979; Spiritual Leadership at Institute of Spiritual Leadership, Chicago, USA,1986,andPastoral Leadership at All Hallows, Dublin, 1995, to reach and touch people across places and cultures,  and across different age groups.

Her vibrancy, warmth, joy, large-hearted generosity,and loving care were palpable and
experienced by all who came in contact with her.

Sister Helen, may you now enjoy the full vision of God you so loved and fervently served in people.

(From Philomena Ezeh, MSHR,
Congregational Secretary, 
Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary Generalate, 
23 Cross Avenue, Blackrock, 
Co. Dublin, Ireland)