HONG KONG (SE): Sister Serafina Soldati of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), passed away at 2.15pm on July 8 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon. She was 85-year-old and had been a religious for 59.
Sister Soldati was born on 1July 1935 in Sarsina (Forlì) in Italy. She made her first profession on 5 August 1961 in Italy, and opted to become a missionary. On 27 December 1962, she arrived Hong Kong and later served in Vietnam; the Philippines; Tainan, Taiwan; and Hong Kong.
Sister Soldati had the gift of language. No matter where she was assigned, she immediately learned the language. In 1963, she was sent to Vietnam to assist at the formation house and was sent to the Philippines the next year. In 1966, she was assigned to Tainan and began 30 years of service among the little ones, the young and the faithful.
When she first arrived she immediately learned Putonghua in order to immerse herself totally in her service, especially in establishing the house of Mary Immaculate and Mary Help of Christians Preschool. She was appointed the financial officer and director of the religious house and served with love and dedication. In 2001, She returned to the Provincial House in Hong Kong and dedicated herself to household chores.
Sister Soldati was willing to sacrifice, loved to work and silently laboured for others and the community. May God reward her for her consecration and sacrifice all through her life and grant her eternal repose in heaven.
A farewell ceremony and funeral was held on July 28 and 29. The Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians asks for prayers thanking the Lord for such a beautiful religious life and for Sister Soldati’s soul. May she rest in peace.
