Sr. Carla Manzoni, lovingly remembered as Mother Carla by those who knew her, was called back to the Lord at the age of 79, on 14 September 2001, in the Canossian Convent in Jakarta, Indonesia. M. Carla was a zealous Canossian missionary Sister who was happy to serve wherever she was sent, during her 53 years of religious life. As a young Sister, she left Italy for India, where she was greatly loved by the Sisters, people and the orphans there. From 1973 to 1979 she was posted to Singapore and Malaysia as Provincial Superior. Even though she did not know anyone here, she came with love in her heart and a smile on her lips, that brought serenity to everyone she met. From Singapore she was sent to serve in leadership positions in Australia, East Timor, Indonesia and Italy. Wherever she went, she gave of herself wholeheartedly. In the aftermath of the 1999 destruction of East Timor, even though her health was declining, she asked to return her beloved mission, so as to be with the suffering people and the Sisters there. 

         All those who knew her, remember her as a warm and loving person who was ever ready to encourage and support anyone in need. She had a special love for the poor, the sick and the aged. Many were touched by her big-hearted generosity and understanding. What shone out in her was her unwavering faith, her deep love for God and simple childlike trust in Divine Providence. When she prayed, she did so from the depth of her being.

         It was during her term of service in Singapore, that she saw the growing need to provide adequate care for the aged sick. She readily agreed to work on the project together with Dr. Ee Peng Liang, who was then Chairman of the Catholic Welfare Services. Through the untiring zeal and influence of Dr. Ee, funds were raised to build a new Home on a piece of land in Gek Poh Road, belonging to the Church, and M. Carla’s dream became a reality. On March 19, 1978, the foundation stone was laid by the Most Rev. Gregory Yong, the former Archbishop of Singapore, and on May 28, 1979, St. Joseph’s Home was officially opened by Dr. Ahmad Mattar, Minister of Social Affairs. 

Many of us have fond memories of M. Carla as a loving mother, Sister and friend.

• “Many times she affirmed me, trusted and encouraged me and helped me to grow in holiness. It was a pleasure to talk to her knowing that she was all there for me. God was always present in her heart and all the answers came from him.” (Sr. Maria Casarotti)
  

• “It was easy to approach her as she was a good listener and was always available for others, especially for the poor. Her smile inspired confidence. (Sr. Maria Riva)
  

• “I discovered many gifts in M. Carla: serenity, understanding, gentleness and above all, a heart that is overflowing with the love of God.” (Sr. Maria Teresa Rizzetti)
  

• “M. Carla loved to pray and often went to chapel to speak to the Lord.” (Sr. Christine Norris)
  

• “I remember M. Carla as a warm, loving person, ever ready to encourage and support. Her big and generous heart easily forgave. What struck me most was her childlike, strong faith and trust in God.” (Sr. Rosalia Yeo)
  

• The mention of M. Carla reminds me of her as a caring Provincial who is aware of individual needs, ready to forgive and forget and most of the time, able to listen attentively from the heart.” (Sr. Lily Tan)
  

• “Thank you, dearest M. Carla, for your shining example of a woman deeply in love with God and compassionate to those who suffer.  Pray for us from heaven!” (Sr. Marilyn Lim)
  

• “M. Carla, your heart is so enormous, so big that anyone who came near you felt so much warmth in you.  You prayed for everyone.” (Sr. Mary Tan)
   

• M. Carla, you were the beacon, the golden thread that guided me to what I am today.” (Sr. Mary Wong)  

In remembrance of M. Carla, a special Memorial Mass was celebrated on 29 September 2001 at 3.30 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Joseph’s Home.