Annastasia Kinse Shako’s life took a dramatic turn when she was dismissed from the Congregation of Mother of Perpetual Help of the Archangels Sisters (MOPHAS) in Auchi, Edo State, leading to the loss of her job as a graduate assistant at the Catholic University in Abuja. The former reverend sister shared her challenging situation in a September 30 Facebook post, appealing for help amid health struggles and financial hardship.
At the time of her dismissal, Annastasia was a master’s student at Veritas University, poised to start her thesis. “I was a Masters student at Veritas University, about to begin my thesis when I was unjustly dismissed from my religious congregation,” she said, linking the dismissal directly to her job loss at the Catholic University.
Compounding her difficulties, Annastasia is battling a disc bulge in her lumbar spine. “I am currently managing a disc bulge on my lumbar spine through physiotherapy and medication. The pain makes it difficult to sit, stand, or bend for long periods, which prevents me from working at this time,” she explained, highlighting how her health condition hampers her ability to earn a living.
In her plea for support, Annastasia expressed vulnerability and a need for assistance. “At this point, I humbly appeal for assistance to cover medical treatment, basic upkeep, and to support this transition into a more reflective and sustainable way of living,” she stated, reaching out for help to navigate her unexpected circumstances.
Annastasia’s departure from MOPHAS followed controversies surrounding her outspoken stance on treatment of religious sisters by some clergy, drawing attention within Catholic circles for her courage in addressing issues of exploitation and respect for consecrated women.
