A Beacon of Christ’s Passionate Love
In the heart of our beloved congregation, the Sisters of St. Gemma Galgani, we gather in prayerful remembrance of our dear Sr. Columba Maria, whom the Lord called to his eternal embrace. Recently, the community of our sisters in Dar es Salaam held a solemn Mass to pray for her soul, offering heartfelt thanks to God for the precious gift of her life and her devoted missionary journey among us. As we bid farewell to this gentle soul, we celebrate the profound impact she made, reflecting the very charism that defines our congregation—a thirst for love and suffering, inspired by our patroness, St. Gemma Galgani.
Like St. Gemma, who united her sufferings with Christ’s Passion, Sr. Columba Maria embodied this spirit in her daily life. Her missionary zeal shone brightly, she served with unwavering humility, tending to the spiritual and material needs of the faithful, especially the young and the vulnerable. Through her gentle guidance in religious education and parish ministries, she nurtured souls, drawing them closer to the redemptive love of the Cross.
A Life of Joyful Sacrifice and Boundless Love
Sr. Columba Maria’s life was a living testament to God’s grace, a journey marked by joyful sacrifice and boundless affection for those she encountered. She reminded us that true holiness lies in embracing suffering with love, just as St. Gemma did, turning every challenge into an opportunity for deeper union with Christ. Her presence among us was a gift that enriched our community, fostering unity, prayer, and service in the spirit of our Passionist roots.
As we commend her to the merciful arms of our Heavenly Father, we whisper a fond farewell: Rest in the presence of the Lord, dear sister. May the perpetual light of Christ’s Passion shine upon you, and may your intercession continue to inspire us. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of Sr. Columba Maria, her legacy of love endures in our hearts forever.
With affectionate prayers,
The Sisters of St. Gemma Galgani, Dodoma