HONG KONG (SE): The Catholic community in Hong Kong joined in joyful thanksgiving as Sister Theresa Pathickal, of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate [PIME Sisters], celebrated 50 years of consecrated religious life. The jubilee Mass, held on December 7 at St. Joseph’s Church in Fanling, marked not only a personal milestone but also a tribute to a missionary life spent in unwavering service of God’s people.
Born on 1 May 1945 in Kerala, India, into a deeply traditional Catholic family, Sister Pathickal entered the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate in 1962, inspired by a strong desire to serve as a missionary. She made her first profession on 6 January 1965 and received her missionary mandate soon after. Arriving in Hong Kong on 11 September 1968, she professed her final vows on 8 December 1970, embracing fully the mission God entrusted to her.
Her ministry began in education as the first Principal of Pope Paul VI College, newly established at the time. She served from 1969 to 1981, and then continued as supervisor from 1981 to 1988, shaping generations of young people with her quiet strength and leadership. Her contributions extended far beyond Hong Kong: she served as general counsellor in Rome from 1988 to 1994; superior delegate of Hong Kong–China from 1994 to 2000; and, from 2000 to 2006, as superior general of the entire congregation. Returning to Hong Kong after her term, she once again led the region as superior delegate from 2007 to 2013. In each responsibility, she carried herself with humility, dedication and deep love for the sisters and the people entrusted to her care.
Now retired, Sister Pathickal continues to live her missionary commitment with the same quiet energy and generosity. She visits prisoners, supports lay associates, accompanies groups visiting leprosy centres, and offers her presence wherever she is needed. Her life remains a living witness of missionary zeal and selfless dedication.
Speaking to the Sunday Examiner after the jubilee celebration, Sister Pathickal expressed profound gratitude for God’s fidelity throughout her 50 years of religious life. “I celebrated three anniversaries—my Silver Jubilee, Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee—in Hong Kong. Three times. People tell me I am truly blessed,” she said with a smile.
Reflecting on the first reading, where God asks Adam, “Where are you?”, Sister Pathickal recalled how the presiding priest, Father Luigi, posed the same question to her. Her response came from the heart: “Lord, I’m here. You walked with me and you continue to walk with me, so that I can do your will.”
Looking back on five decades as a religious, she shared a deep sense of fulfilment: “I feel happy, and I feel I have completed my mission. I am a missionary here. Hong Kong gave me the chance to be truly a missionary.”
When asked what she would say to young people discerning their path in life, Sister Pathickal replied with characteristic simplicity and courage: “No need to be afraid. Offer your life. Difficulties will come, but God is there to take care of everything. Put your trust in him and go forward.”
She also recalled the early struggles of adapting to Hong Kong more than 50 years ago. “I came straight from India, and everything was very different. But I faced the challenges because God was with me. I prayed a lot, and God gave me the grace and strength to overcome difficulties.”
Fifty years after giving her life to God as a missionary religious, Sister Pathickal continues to embody the joyful resilience of a true servant of the Gospel—still walking, still listening, and still ready to say, “Lord, I’m here.”
