By Ivy Chai
“Her zeal has inspired us and we admire her dedication.”
KUCHING — The Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS) announced on 13 April 2021 that Sr Martina Frances was called home peacefully by our heavenly Lord at 7.00 pm, after a long illness. She had been residing at the Home of Santa Clara, located behind Blessed Sacrament Church, BDC, since March 2011.
Sr Martina (Catherine Simin ak Francis) was born 9 March, 1930 at Kpg Sudoh, Singai, Bau to Francis Nyiban and Veronica Riah. She received her early education at St Michael’s School, Sudoh before transferring to St Teresa’s School, Kuching.
Vocation to the Religious Life
Catherine was the first Bidayuh to join SSFS as a postulant on 22 December 1949. On acceptance, she continued her formation into the Noviciate on 22 December 1950 and was given the name Sr Martina. She took her first vows on 5 January 1953 and made her First Profession on 10 August 1958.
Sr Martina was posted to numerous outstations where she became involved in many apostolates. These included teaching in primary schools, kindergartens, and even helping in maternity clinics and taking care of the little ones in the nursery.
Her interest in pastoral care, particularly in caring for orphans and widows, began when she was a young girl. This extended to actively serving out her pastoral works, irrespective of where she was posted to.
She had served in St Teresa’s Convent (Kuching), St Francis’ Convent (Sarikei), Convent of Mary Immaculate (Padungan), St Joseph’s Convent (Serian), St Martha’s Convent (Bunan Gega), and St Rita’s Convent (Bau).
Sr Martina remained at St Rita’s for many years after her retirement, still active in helping in the Church, although to a lesser extent due to age and failing physical health.
She was known for not wanting to miss any chance given, to climb Mt Singai, her birth place. She enjoyed visiting families, gardening and sewing, and had the charism to reach out to families and helping in whatsoever way she could.
Sr Martina celebrated her 60th Anniversary of Profession on 10 August, 2013 at the Home of Santa Clara.
Journey to Everlasting Life
Sr Martina’s funeral rites on 15 April was held at the Home of Santa Clara, presided by Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh, and attended only by appointed persons in adherence to COVID-19 SOPs. She was later laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery at 7 1/2 Mile, Kota Sentosa, Kuching.
 announced on 13 April 2021 that Sr Martina Frances had been called home peacefully by our heavenly Lord at 7.00 pm, after a long illness.){kind=link}