Sister’s doing it for others

A Catholic missionary has landed in South Holland to help local churches.

Sister Maria Clarissa Nwadigbo to help Parish Priest Jim Burke, who oversees both St Norbert’s and Holy Trinity churches in Spalding and Holbeach respectively.

Sister Clarissa moved to the UK from Nigeria in May 2004.

Her first nine years were spent in the “lovely place” of Liverpool before five years, in London and two in Birmingham.

Now it’s a change in pace and life in rural Lincolnshire with Sister Clarissa currently living in Holbeach.

She’s part of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ describe themselves as “a women’s religious institute engaged in educational, medical, pastoral, and social activities.”

Her work in South Holland includes a host of pastoral work and getting the former Methodist Church next to St Norbert’s Catholic Church in Spalding, ready to be turned into a community support hub.

“Since I came to this country my main work was to reach out to people in the church.” Sister Clarissa said: “I hope to work more outside the church.

“I’m here to help Father Jim and work for the people. I’ve already had people who like to talk to me and they have invited me into the community.

“People who see me always tell me they’re stories and it’s lovely to hear.”

Sister Clarissa initially came to Holbeach with two colleagues, Sister Maureen Calista Nwokeke and Sister Flora Mariae Okwuazu to help her settle in but they have sinced moved on.

She says she’s enjoying living in Holbeach and the people.

“This whole area and the environment makes me happy.”