(Janauary 22, 1958 - July 20, 2012)
Word has been received of the death of Sister Philomena Quiah, who died at 8:45 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2012, in Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Those who knew Sister Philomena use similar words to express who she was and how she lived her much too short life. Many describe her as a woman of prayer. She had a deep faith in God and was faithful to personal and communal prayer. Daily Mass was important to her and she found her strength in the Eucharist.
Sister Taposi (Gomes) recalls that Sister Philomena had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and, during her ministry as area coordinator, Sister Philo often made a Holy Hour in the convent chapel and Adoration Church. Her trust in the Lord was strong and she believed in God’s providence.
Sister Philo was noted as kind, generous, a community builder and a fun-loving person. Sister Pushpa Teresa Gomes tells how Sister Philo encouraged the Dhaka sisters to have an annual picnic and to have a sports day at the December area gathering.
Sister Philo had a great sense of humor and her smile was infectious. She gave joy and made others laugh by her funny stories. Other words used to describe her were hardworking, energetic, intelligent, risk-taker and creative, and she was a good cook. She also was a very courageous and determined woman. Sister Marianne Farina says that she always was ready to take on the impossible. This was evident when Sister Philo opened four new missions while she was area coordinator.
Honesty was another of Sister Philo’s distinguishing qualities. She was straightforward with those with whom she lived and worked. This always led to good communication and helped to build relationships. Sister Philo showed concern and reached out to others. Justice was important to her. For instance, in her work in school administration she was concerned that the teachers and staff received fair wages.
Family also was very important to Sister Philo, and many relatives who live in the United States came to visit her during her illness.
Finally, Philo was a dreamer. For 15 years she wanted to go to Africa. She was so excited when her dream finally came true and she was able to visit Africa as a member of the Leadership Team.
Philo means “light” in Bangla. Sister Philomena was a light both to the congregation and to the people she served in Bangladesh. Now she is living in the light of Christ and will suffer no more.
Funeral arrangements for Sister are as follows: Reception of the body and wake on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Resurrection at 1:30 p.m. the same day. All of these ceremonies will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto. May Sister Philo rest in peace.
Those who knew Sister Philomena use similar words to express who she was and how she lived her much too short life. Many describe her as a woman of prayer. She had a deep faith in God and was faithful to personal and communal prayer. Daily Mass was important to her and she found her strength in the Eucharist.
Sister Taposi (Gomes) recalls that Sister Philomena had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and, during her ministry as area coordinator, Sister Philo often made a Holy Hour in the convent chapel and Adoration Church. Her trust in the Lord was strong and she believed in God’s providence.
Sister Philo was noted as kind, generous, a community builder and a fun-loving person. Sister Pushpa Teresa Gomes tells how Sister Philo encouraged the Dhaka sisters to have an annual picnic and to have a sports day at the December area gathering.
Sister Philo had a great sense of humor and her smile was infectious. She gave joy and made others laugh by her funny stories. Other words used to describe her were hardworking, energetic, intelligent, risk-taker and creative, and she was a good cook. She also was a very courageous and determined woman. Sister Marianne Farina says that she always was ready to take on the impossible. This was evident when Sister Philo opened four new missions while she was area coordinator.
Honesty was another of Sister Philo’s distinguishing qualities. She was straightforward with those with whom she lived and worked. This always led to good communication and helped to build relationships. Sister Philo showed concern and reached out to others. Justice was important to her. For instance, in her work in school administration she was concerned that the teachers and staff received fair wages.
Family also was very important to Sister Philo, and many relatives who live in the United States came to visit her during her illness.
Finally, Philo was a dreamer. For 15 years she wanted to go to Africa. She was so excited when her dream finally came true and she was able to visit Africa as a member of the Leadership Team.
Philo means “light” in Bangla. Sister Philomena was a light both to the congregation and to the people she served in Bangladesh. Now she is living in the light of Christ and will suffer no more.
Funeral arrangements for Sister are as follows: Reception of the body and wake on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Resurrection at 1:30 p.m. the same day. All of these ceremonies will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto. May Sister Philo rest in peace.