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 It was truly a great and blessed day for the Canossians in Singapore. A total of six Sisters shared the joy of their Golden Jubilee on Saturday the 7th of December. A Silver Jubilarian came home from her mission in East Africa to add to the celebration. Archbishop Nicholas Chia celebrated the Eucharist with the Sisters and a crowd of faithful relatives, friends and collaborators at the Chapel of St Joseph's Home. The following is a short profile of the jubilarians… 
Sr. Bruna Bossi - our joyful missionary 
Born on 28 June 1918 in Milan, Italy An artist, poet and ballerina First Profession: 7 December 1942, Vimercate (Italy) Arrival in Singapore in 1946 Art/Drama teacher in St Anthony's Convent Secondary School Arrival in the Philippines in 1970 Taught in the Philippines and involved in the design of the
Retreat House and several chapels Returned to Singapore in 2002
Sr. Bruna is remembered by many in Singapore as a very enthusiastic though rather absent-minded art and drama teacher. She is a creative and unconventional Sister who inspires passion for life and vision by her extraordinary love for all that is true, good and beautiful. Sr. Bruna also has a special gift for writing poetry and prose and this has borne fruit in three publications of insightful and sensitive reflections on the life and the social reality of Italy, Singapore and the Philippines under the pen-name of Burnie Byrnes.
Sr. Bruna was very happy to return to Singapore in June this year. However, a week later, she suffered a stroke. But by the grace of God, she is bouncing again and continues to touch our minds, hearts and spirits in her own unique way.
Born in Singapore on 20 December 1920 5th in a family of nine children (one brother priest, three other sisters
Canossians) Joined the Canossian Sisters in 1942 First Profession: 19 March 1946, Singapore
Trained as a teacher and taught in Singapore, Malaysia & Australia. Throughout her many years of dedicated service as a teacher, Sr. Christina has shown great gentleness and patience in the care of her pupils and their parents. Soft spoken and confident, Sr Christina continues to show untiring zeal to connect with as many persons as possible to communicate the love of God. In recent years, we have been amazed by her generous efforts. Whether to sell donation tickets for the school or parish, Sr Christina is ready to walk around shopping centres and streets to help raise funds. She gently approaches the persons she meets to befriend them.
In community and among her peer group of elderly Sisters, Sr. Christina has shared herself generously collecting and sharing little jokes, riddles, quizzes and games. She has a special devotion to St. Josephine Bakhita and is never tired of telling the story of her favourite saint. At 82, Sr Christina continues to be an inspiration for many by her enthusiasm and zest for life.
Born in Sibu, Sarawak, 14 June 1919 Only daughter and youngest in a family of three Studied at St Theresa's Convent of the Franciscan Sisters, Kuching Trained as nurse in Kuching for 6 years Came to Singapore in 1940 for further training in Nursing Joined the Canossian Sisters in 1942 in Singapore First Profession: 19 March 1946, Singapore
As a young Sister, Sr. Elizabeth was attached to the Canossa Convent Children's Home where her nurturing presence was deeply appreciated. This has borne fruit in the many young men and women who remember her fondly in these later years. Sr. Elizabeth was also involved in the teaching of catechism to children and adults in our school and in the near-by parish. Hospital visitation to comfort the sick and dying was her passion. Sr Elizabeth was also an ardent participant at Charismatic Prayer groups.
Now at the age of 83, she is happy to be doing some sewing for the community. As she grows old graciously, she is a prayerful inspiration to anyone who comes by.
Born in Singapore on 21 January 1918 Joined the Canossian Sisters in 1941 First Profession : 11 Sept 1943, Singapore Primary School Teacher Carer of the young and the old.
Sr. Frances emits a sense of peace and gentleness. Throughout her many years of teaching in the Primary School and of caring for the boys and girls in Canossa Convent Children's Home, Sr Frances was a quiet and loving presence. She lived through challenging times with the children in the midst of a jungle clearing in Bahau, Malaysia, during the Japanese Occupation, having to feed at times on roots and even snails. She recalls how the community was united and the Sisters and people were supportive of each during those difficult times.
born in Milan on 3 May 1923 Youngest daughter in a family of seven Joined the Canossians in 1942 in Vimercate (Italy) First Profession: 15 Sept. 1945 in Vimercate (Italy) Missionary in China from 1947 to 1949 Pre-school teacher in Singapore and Malaysia Superior of our communities in Singapore and Malaysia
Many remember Sr. Maria fondly as a creative, cheerful and fun-loving Kindergarten teacher. She enjoyed being with the little ones. Sr. Maria was untiring in her efforts to visit families in their homes and the sick and elderly in the Hospitals both in Singapore and Malaysia. She had a special love for seminarians and supported them by being a good listener. Up till December 2001, she visited faithfully the Kwong Wai Siew Free Hospital and communicated to the residents much warmth and love even though she could not speak Chinese. Sr. Maria is well-loved by the little ones of Canossa Convent Primary School where she used to teach catechism and meet the children and teachers in the school canteen.
When diagnosed with brain tumour, she accepted it courageously. After her radiotherapy treatment in February 2002, Sr. Maria needed nursing care and was transferred to St Joseph's Home where she continues to be a serene and prayerful presence among us, quietly offering her life in faith and love in solidarity with all who await the coming of the Eternal Bridegroom. Thank you dear Sr. Maria for your example of serenity in doing God's will!
Born in Singapore on 16 May 1919 From a traditional Catholic family Third daughter in a family of nine Joined the Canossian Sisters in 1940 First Profession: 11 September 1943
Sr. Theresa joined the Canossian Sisters at the beginning of the Japanese Occupation. Those were harsh and difficult times and Sr. Theresa was part of the group of Sisters sent to live in the jungle of Bahau, Malaysia, together with some children. Sr. Theresa is remembered as being a vigilant presence in the canteen of St Anthony's Convent. She was for many years in charge of the kitchen providing for the big S.A.C. community. Certainly Sr. Theresa must have touched the lives of the many vendors in the canteen and market. We are also grateful to Sr. Theresa for her years of quiet and hidden service in the laundry and linen room.
In St Joseph's Home and Hospice as well as Villa Francis, the elderly and sick remember Sr. Theresa for her Teochew Catechism and prayer sessions.
Today, Sr. Theresa continues to be a prayerful presence giving comfort to one and all by her assurance of prayer and her daily visits to the bed-side of the sick. Sr. Rita Jaswant - our happy missionary in East Africa
Born in Singapore on 19 Oct. 1952 The eldest daughter of a family of nine siblings (eight girls and one boy) Attended Canossa Convent Primary School and a Government Secondary School First Profession: 18 Sept. 1977 in Singapore Served at the Canossian Sewing Centre and St. Joseph's Home Left for the missions in 1995
Sr. Rita joined the Canossian Sisters in 1974. She was involved in various pastoral activities both in the Parish and in St Joseph's Home as well as in the Canossian Vocational Sewing Centre. Everywhere people remember the big, strong and friendly Sister who stands a head above all in her physical stature. The young children and the elderly all experience her tender loving kindness. People turn to her for counselling. She left for Tanzania as a missionary in 1995 and is presently attached to the Canossian Retreat Centre in Arusha, providing both material and spiritual nourishment for the many retreatants and continuing to be a good and supportive friend to her many African sisters and brothers.
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