The Congregation of Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd was established in the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki by Rt. Rev. Msgr. PatrickMary Anene Mmuo. It emerged as the sole indigenous Congregation of the Diocese. Most Rev. Dr. Michael Nnachi Okoro, the then Bishop of the Diocese, was not only devoted to nurturing priestly vocations, but also took a keen interest in encouraging female Religious vocations. Consequently, he granted the Edict of Erection to this female Religious Congregation, known as the Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd, in response to the needs of the time and with an eye towards the future.
These women were meticulously trained to be reverent and dedicated to their duties, even in the most remote areas of the Diocese. This was deemed essential because Religious from other Congregations who came to assist in the Diocese during that period tended to primarily reside in the towns of the Diocese and found it challenging to adapt to prolonged stays in the villages. This practical reality prompted the Founder, Rt. Rev. Msgr. PatrickMary Anene Mmuo, in 1978 to seek approval to initiate a Religious Congregation of Women who could bridge this gap.
On the 26th of April, 1989, the Congregation received the Decree of Erection from the then Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Nnachi Okoro. This small beginning has flourished, and the Congregation has extended its presence throughout the Diocese and beyond. The Sisters are now engaged in various ministries in Rome, Germany, Ghana, other african countries, and some parts of Nigeria (in different Dioceses). They continue to lend their support to the work and apostolate of the Dioceses they serve, in accordance with the spirit of their Founder.