HONG KONG (SE): Sister Rita Chen, of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of March 7 at the age of 83. She had dedicated 63 years of her life to religious service. Born in Shanghai, China, on 21 January 1941, she joined the Canossian religious community in Hong Kong in 1960. She made her first profession in 1963, and her final profession in 1969.
Sister Chen completed her teacher training and catechetical training both in Hong Kong and in the States. While in Hong Kong, she dedicated herself as a teacher at the Sacred Heart Canossian School, St. Mary’s Canossian School and Holy Angels Canossian School. She later also served for some years as Administrator at Sacred Heart Canossian School, St. Mary’s Canossian School, Canossian Convent School and Canossa Primary School (Wong Tai Sin).
In 1986, she moved to the US, where she dedicated herself to pastoral work in the parish. In 2012, she returned to Hong Kong and served for a short time as a pastoral sister at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Unfortunately, after just a year and a half, her health deteriorated so that she had to stop her work.
For some time, Sister Chen struggled to accept her waning health. But when the doctor told her clearly of her condition, she let go of many things that were precious to her and spent much time in prayer. She lived with joyful gratitude and tried to do everything for the glory of God.
On March 7, not long after lunch, the Lord called Sister Chen to himself. She went peacefully to meet him, to whom she had dedicated her life with so much love and generosity.
A funeral Mass was celebrated for her at the Canossian Missions Chapel on March 11, followed by cremation at Cape Collinson Crematorium. The Canossian Sisters thank the relatives and friends for their prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Chen. May she rest in peace!
