HONG KONG (SE): Sister Enrica Cereda, of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, was called to her heavenly home on March 23, at the age of 92.
Born on 9 April 1932, in Milan, Italy, her journey began when she joined the Canossian pre-novitiate in Vimercate on 13 September 1954. In 1957, she embarked on her missionary journey to Hong Kong, where she made her First Profession on 21 June 1958. This path continued as she committed herself through her Perpetual Profession in Oxley, Australia, on 21 June 1963.
Sister Cereda was deeply loved and respected by her sisters and everyone she encountered in Hong Kong and Australia. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to the different roles entrusted to her, such as formator, local superior, vice superior, provincial councillor, provincial superior, and provincial bursar. Her modest demeanor exemplified her servant-leadership, motivating those in her presence.
Health challenges in her later years saw her retire to the Canossian Infirmary, where she devoted herself to prayer and sacrifices, embracing God’s strength amidst trials and suffering. Her serene smile, loving kindness, steadfast faith, and unrelenting zeal touched and inspired many lives.
A funeral Mass was celebrated for her on March 26 at the Canossian Missions Chapel by Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, and concelebrated by Father Francisco De Las Heras, Father Piero Zambarbieri, and Father Vicenzo Soffia.
A Burial Rite followed at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley. Father Chan praised Sister Cereda’s faithful perseverance in following Jesus to the very end. He urged the congregation to embrace Jesus’ call to love and serve one another, spreading hope and salvation.
The Canossian Sisters express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and respected Sister Cereda throughout her life. They kindly ask for continued prayers for her eternal repose.
