By Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak
Sr Jovita Jet @ Bridgit Binti Jemuis, born 25 December 1950, departed 20 January 2024.
KUCHING — Young, sweet Miss Bridgit (her baptismal name is Bridget), a Melanau from Mukah, was overwhelmed with joyful hope when she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Sarawak.
Her encoffin on 23 January 2024 at Home of Santa Clara, Funeral Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Cremation at Nirvana Memorial Park and Interment at St Peter’s Columbarium Padungan, Kuching were live-streamed especially for the people in Mukah, Miri and Semenanjung Malaysia who were unable to pay their last respects to her physically, so they could participate virtually.
Archbishop Simon Poh who presided over her Funeral Mass, concelebrated with Archbishop Emeritus John Ha and seven priests on 23 January at St Joseph’s Cathedral Kuching, affirmed Sr Jovita Jemuis’ loving trust in God, faithfulness, and endurance throughout her religious life. Quoting from Psalm 26:1-4, he endorsed her aspiration: “I’m sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living”.
At age 23, she responded to God’s call to embrace the consecrated life. On 24 April 1973 together with two other companions on the same spiritual journey, she entered the Postulate where she received her religious formation at the Novitiate in Convent of Mary Immaculate, Padungan. She received the religious habit on 18 November 1973 and was officially given the name Sister Jovita. She made her First Profession on 7 December 1975. Then on 23 November 1980, she professed her perpetual vows.
Following her first profession she was appointed to serve at St Anne’s Convent (situated in the compound of St Peter’s Seminary, Rock Road Kuching, which was officially opened by Bishop John Vos on 6 December 1965 and closed in August 1978), she helped out in household chores and transportation needs of the Sisters in the community for two years.
From 1979 to 1987 she was stationed at St Teresa’s Convent serving as sacristan at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching. She was the community cook. In addition, she committedly took care of the boarders and the blind ladies staying at the convent. She regularly visited the sick and poor in the homes and in the hospital.
She was moved to Bethany Convent (the then temporary Home for Retired SSFS) at Mile 4½, Penrissen area and stayed there till 30 May 1993. She dutifully managed the household matters and transport needs of the community. She also went the extra mile to reach out to the needy and sick in the neighbourhood.
Thereafter, she stayed at Convent of Mary Immaculate, Padungan until 21 August 2021. For 28 years she humbly helped the community there. She had undergone several orthopaedic operations and surgical procedures at the Sarawak General Hospital. Despite her constant discomfort and pain, she was heroic, resilient and prayerfully uncomplaining. Gardening always filled her with great joy and satisfaction.
On 22 August 2021, she was compassionately transferred to Home of Santa Clara as she was suffering from severe osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other related illness. In her transfer letter, Sr Rose Wong Superior General SSFS stated affirmatively that Sr Jovita was “a good example of how to endure her physical pain with positive outlook and always willing to give service to her fellow Sisters and others even though she was in pain.’’
As a consequence of her fall, Sr Jovita suffered from multiple thoracic pelvic fractures. Due to the complication she developed other serious health symptoms. From 6 January to 10 January 2024, she was admitted to Timberland Medical Centre.
The Golden Jubilee of her Religious Profession will occur in the year 2025. For sure she is in our hearts. Blessedly, our Heavenly Father called her at Home of Santa Clara to rest eternally on 20 January 2024, 1.43 am. She must be greatly relieved that now she is secure in God’s hands.
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