The Nativity BVM convent at 68th and Washtenaw is a busy place once again. Taking up residence are the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, sometimes referred to as the “Blue Nuns” because of the color of their habit and also affectionately known as “The Smiling Nuns’ because, in their own words: ‘Wherever we serve and in whatever we do, IHM Sisters serve with cheerfulness and humility that comes from the heart.’
The congregation was founded in 1937 by an Irish Missionary in Nigeria, Archbishop Charles Heerey. Since that time, their mission has grown and can be found in 15 countries in three continents. From their humble beginnings in Nigeria, they have traveled and put down roots to serve in Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Republic of Benin, Tchad Republic, Cameroon, Italy, England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the USA.
Coming to the United States in 1998 by invitation of Bishop Thomas Doran, the first home of the IHMs was in Rockford. While maintaining their presence in Rockford, they branched out to Freeport, which is currently their regional house. In addition to Illinois, they have settled in Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma and Ontario, Canada.
The Sisters are nurses, teachers and social workers. In Chicago they work at Rush and Sinai Hospitals, they help out at Casa Catalina on Ashland and work with Catholic Charities.
And, they are sacristans at Nativity BVM Church here in Marquette Manor. “We take care of Jesus’ stuff. We serve as Eucharistic Ministers, set up for Mass, wash the linens and help Father in whatever the church needs,” said Sister Maria Chinweze Enujiofor, who is the Board Chair and Executive Director of the IHM Development Mission.
While all of this is going on here in Chicago, others in the order are working in hospitals, teaching in schools, taking care of the elderly and more in the other parts of the United States and the 15 countries in which they serve.
Even as the Sisters’ Development Mission is focused on compassionate outreach, education, economic empowerment, and caring for the sick, it also includes a commitment to environmental sustainability.
In the year 2025 across the world, they have equipped two facilities with solar energy, launched an ongoing initiative focused on agriculture, helped 50 children on a scholarship program, empowered 55 students with laptops in Kenya and Nigeria, completed the foundation of a secondary school in a rural area in Nigeria, helped 150 persons on a skill acquisition program, and more.
Looking ahead to 2026 here in Chicago, through a grant from Catholic Charities, Sister Maria has teamed up with Sister Miriam Patrick Cummings of the School Sisters of Notre Dame to work as Sister Consultants where they are forming a youth program around social teachings in Catholic Schools and putting together retreats for parents and families, with the first one planned for some time in February.
“We want to get involved in the neighborhood,” said Sister Maria. “It is my dream to work with local groups. We can offer help or maybe even create some groups.” If you have any thoughts or ideas that would help Sister fulfill her dream, feel free to call her at 773-312-0582. She would welcome your input.
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ are planning on staying here for as long as they are needed and can serve the community. As you can imagine they are on a tight budget and are always appreciative of any donations they receive to help with their work. No matter how large or small, donations can be made at https://ihmsistersng.neyworkforgood.com or sent to 6804 S. Washtenaw Avenue, Chicago 60629.