«Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things» (Psalm 98:1)
These words of the Psalm describe well the life of Sr. Benigna. She was a woman who truly sang a new song to the Lord with her voice, but above all through the testimony of her whole life. Her faith, prayer, service, writings, missionary zeal and generous dedication became a hymn of praise offered daily to God. Music was her passion, prayer her strength, and mission her way of life.
Sr. Benigna responded to God’s call at a young age and embraced religious life with generosity and courage. Leaving behind the comforts of home, she dedicated herself completely to the service of God and His people. Her missionary journey led her to various places, where she faithfully carried out her ministry with commitment, simplicity and joy.
A dedicated teacher, she served with love and compassion in our schools. She also carried the missionary spirit beyond borders through her service in Hong Kong. Gifted both with the talent for words and for melody, she formed hearts and minds as a teacher of English and music, accompanying many young people and novices in their growth. Her service extended to the Bishop’s House of Vijayawada and to the CCBI Secretariat in Bangalore, where she generously shared her gifts as a writer and communicator. She also rendered valuable service to the local CRI of Vijayawada as secretary.
1990. Nirmala Convent School Vijayawada. Final year at school. Before leaving, the students have their photo taken with their teachers.
Sr. Benigna was a woman of faith and extraordinary creativity. As a journalist, editor, writer and critic, she lived her vocation with conviction and passion. Through her contributions to Catholic media and through her articles, reflections, poems and bulletins, she gave voice to faith, mission and the life of the Church. She possessed a unique ability to observe events in depth and to respond to them with thoughtfulness, inspiring many with her words.
Yet, for many of us, when we think of Sr. Benigna, we immediately think of music. Music was not simply something she did; it was part of who she was. She was full of life, active, innovative, spontaneous, forthright, and gifted with a voice that touched the heart. She loved singing deeply and teaching others to sing.
Behind her musical gifts was a woman of profound spirituality. She found strength and consolation in Jesus, especially through devotion to the Divine Mercy and the long hours spent before the Eucharistic Lord. Prayer was the foundation of her life. She often spoke of how prayer had transformed her, filled her with peace, and sustained her in every circumstance.
Her heart was particularly compassionate towards those who suffered. She carried countless people in her prayers and sincerely believed that praying for others was part of her mission. Many young sisters were inspired by her faithfulness to prayer and her unwavering trust in God. She spoke with clarity, conviction and humility, always encouraging others to deepen their relationship with the Lord.
VIJAYAWADA community in 1984
What struck people about Sr. Benigna was her deep sense of belonging to God, to the family of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate, and to the Church. She loved her congregation deeply, and loved the Church with passion. She gave herself generously wherever she was called and remained faithful to her mission till the end.
Today, as we remember her, our hearts hold both gratitude and longing. Gratitude for the countless ways she enriched our lives through her presence, her music, her words, her prayers and her friendship. Longing because we miss her voice, her energy, her enthusiasm and her inspiring witness.
Yet, even in mourning, we rejoice in the certainty that a life lived with such faithfulness is never lost. Her prayers continue to accompany us. Her songs continue to inspire us. Her example continues to spur us on. Her legacy lives on in every person she taught, in every sister she encouraged, in every article she wrote, in every song she composed, and in every heart she helped draw closer to God.
As we entrust Sr. Benigna to the Lord and commend her gentle soul to His infinite mercy, let us not merely remember her, but also learn from her.
May the life of Sr. Benigna continue to inspire us to pray more deeply, to serve more generously, to love more sincerely, and to sing with greater joy for the glory of God.
