“Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
(Matthew 25:34)
These words of Jesus find a living echo in the life of Sister Assunta, a woman who embodied love in its most silent and faithful form. Her life was not loud or dramatic, but deeply rooted, steadfast and luminous with grace.
Born into a devout Christian family and raised in an atmosphere of prayer, discipline and simplicity, her early years were shaped by strong faith and holy inspiration. In particular, the example of a saintly ancestor left an indelible mark on her heart, awakening a deep longing for God.
The humility, perseverance and great love for others and for prayer learned in childhood were virtues that would silently define her entire life, and which above all sculptured her heart, leading her to respond generously to the missionary call by joining the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate. Thus she herself became an inspiration to her family, so much so that some years later, one of her sisters followed her on the path of consecrated life.
From the beginning, her consecration was marked by fidelity and gratitude; she was a gentle presence, peacefully strong. She did not embrace religious life as a role to be performed, but as a gift to be lived fully, day by day.
Her ministry extended across school classrooms and in pastoral and catechetical service in dioceses and villages, towns and cities. Wherever she was sent, she carried with her a deep sense of responsibility and dedication, and always left her mark. As an educator, she touched countless young lives, and as a missionary, she reached the hearts of all, especially those of the poor, with her patient listening, simple presence and sincere care.
She was never attached to any particular place or people. With genuine flexibility, she knew how to adapt to different cultures, languages and customs. Her availability for mission reflected her interior freedom and detachment; she belonged completely to God and sought no recognition.
Her leadership roles were exercised with great wisdom; she preferred encouragement to authority, and example to instruction. She was exceptional.
In her final years, she dedicated herself with passionate commitment to preserving the history and heritage of the Congregation through meticulous archival work, a ministry she carried out with scrupulous care, deep loyalty and profound affection for future generations.
Though physically fragile and often afflicted by illness, Sr. Assunta never allowed weakness to define her. Her resilience, strong will and silent courage were a testimony to her inner strength. Even amidst pain and limitations, she remained active, attentive and deeply engaged in life and mission. She bore her suffering in silence, united with Christ, and transformed it into a source of grace.
She was not an extroverted woman, yet she had a rare ability to enter people’s hearts. She was a reliable and reserved presence, a compassionate listener with whom anyone could share joys and sorrows, certain of receiving respect, empathy and maternal welcome.
She loved reading the Word of God, allowing it to shape her thoughts, her choices, her words and her attitudes. Her prayer life was deep and faithful.
She lived evangelical poverty sincerely, content with the bare minimum, and the creativity of her mind found expression in simple joys like cooking and gardening. She found peace in cultivating life, and was grateful… grateful for every grace, every support and every blessing received through the congregation.
The spiritual legacy she leaves us is profound. Her writings, her personal reflections, her lifestyle, speak of a soul completely surrendered to God. Even on the last day of her earthly journey, her prayer continued to rise gently from her heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”
With her passing, we have lost a precious treasure, yet her life remains a living witness. May the gentle yet powerful witness of Sr. Assunta awaken in every heart, young and old, the tender invitation of the Lord: “Come, and inherit the kingdom prepared for you.”
Sr. Shaiji Paul Mundackal, Vijayawada
