I thank God for giving me a mission
From the historic town of Malacca, Sr Margarete Sta Maria has dedicated her life to the Canossian Sisters, inspired by the selfless lives of St Magdalene of Canossa and St Josephine Bakhita, who left behind a legacy of nuns and priests in Italy, dedicated to serving the poor, opening charity schools for children, evangelising the Gospel, and caring for the sick.
Jan 17, 2025

By Elvina Fernandez
From the historic town of Malacca, Sr Margarete Sta Maria has dedicated her life to the Canossian Sisters, inspired by the selfless lives of St Magdalene of Canossa and St Josephine Bakhita, who left behind a legacy of nuns and priests in Italy, dedicated to serving the poor, opening charity schools for children, evangelising the Gospel, and caring for the sick.
St Magdalene was canonised in 1988, following her founding of the Congregations of the Canossian Sisters and Canossian Fathers in the early nineteenth century. A century after her death in 1835, another Canossian saint, St Bakhita, was canonised during the Jubilee Year of 2000 and hailed as the “Saint of the Third Millennium” — our Universal Sister. She was also declared as the Patron Saint for Human Trafficking by Pope Francis in 2015.
St Magdalene encouraged the Canossians to extend their mission to foreign lands. The first foundation was established in Hong Kong in 1860, followed by China, Macau, East Timor, India, Singapore, and Malaysia, where the mission has thrived for 120 years since 1905. Today, the Canossians serve across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, embodying St Magdalene’s belief that “Charity is a fire that ever spreads out.”
Sr Margarete’s journey of faith began at the tender age of seven, and today, she stands as a testament to unwavering dedication and divine purpose. “I grew up and did my schooling in Malacca and my faith understanding grew while living with my grandmother. I knew from a very young age that this was my calling.”
Young Sr Margarete’s heart was filled with a fervent desire to serve. She attended Sacred Heart Convent, where her spiritual foundation was nurtured through Catechism, the Eucharist, and Bible Knowledge. Her involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society, visiting the sick in hospitals and aiding poor families alongside the Canossian Sisters, kindled a deep and hidden vocation within her.
Upon completing secondary school, Sr Margarete worked diligently for two years, yearning to discern her path in life. With the fire of devotion burning in her heart, she realized her calling and decided to give her life to God in her earliest youth. “I was 20 years old then, realising that it was indeed my call and joined the convent.”
Sr Margarete’s transition to the convent was seamless. “The Sisters had known me since my school days and therefore it was a smooth discernment.”
Her postulancy formation took place in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur alongside two other women, for a year, followed by two years of novitiate in Singapore. “Then, in 1988, I took my first profession and returned to Malaysia with temporary vows.”
Embraced by the community, Sr Margarete served with love and compassion in kindergartens, parishes, and other assigned duties. Later in 1994, Sr Margarete embarked on a three-month tertianship programme in India in preparation for her perpetual profession.
“On Dec 27, 1994, with a heart full of faith, I made my final commitment to God at the Church of St Francis Xavier, Malacca and then pursued theology in the Philippines for four enriching years.”
Returning to the Diocese of Malacca Johore, Sr Margarete was invited by the late Fr Simon Wong to join the Biblical Apostolate team. Since then, engaging in various diocesan ministries, including youth, catechetics, and parish retreats, she eventually became the head of the Pastoral Institute at MAJODI.
Her passion and dedication were evident in every task she undertook. After a decade of service in the diocese, she continued her theological studies in Toronto for two years before returning to assist Rt Rev Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, from 2013 to 2016.
In 2017, Sr Margarete was appointed executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei (CBCMSB), only to be called to the Canossian Province of Indonesia as Provincial Superior shortly after. Her six-year tenure from 2018 to 2024 was marked by personal growth, cultural immersion, and the development of religious formation of the sisters and infrastructure.
When asked if there were any challenges in the journey, Sr Margarete said it was not always easy, yet her faith never wavered. “I had to quickly adapt, learning the new local language, embracing the culture, and built deep connections with the sisters and the community, who did not know me.”
Reflecting on her journey, Sr Margarete shares, “God is faithful and present when one gives their best to Him.” Her experiences have deepened her faith and brought her closer to those who believed in the mission entrusted to her.
“My passion always remains to make Jesus known and loved, empowering others to evangelise, and living the congregational charism of charity in humility and humility in charity.”
Sr Margarete made history on Sept 1, 2024, as the first woman and the first religious to lead the KL Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute (API). Reflecting on this significant milestone, she humbly shared, “I thank God for this opportunity to be part of His mission here.”
As the director of API, Sr Margarete today continues her mission to serve the Lord and fulfil the mission and vision of the archdiocese in assisting the various ministries with their goals. “We must put our gifts together to serve the Lord and our community.”
She added that it is important to celebrate, listen and walk together, taking initiatives to save mother earth, working together to live harmoniously, strengthening family relationship, and become a Church that nurtures reconciliation, healing and mercy. “The task of the API is to assist in making this vision a success in various levels from parish, district, ministries and commissions.”
The Church, Sr Margarete added, needs all of us. “Now is the time for laity in action, increase of prayer in family life and discipleship of the youths.” She added that we must remember to pray for others, and in that way, God will always lift us.
She also pointed out that each of us has a vocation in us. “Even if you are not a religious or a priest, God has a calling for each of us to serve in our own way.”
Sr Margarete’s story is a shining example of unwavering devotion and service. As she continues her journey as a Canossian Sister, her life remains a testament to the glory of God and the power of faith.
Her eyes sparkle with the joy of knowing she is fulfilling her divine calling, and her heart beats with a love that transcends boundaries. As we concluded the interview, Sr Margarete reminded each of us to, “Spend time in prayer and always remember to have God in our every day and share His love!”
(Sr Margarete Sta Maria is pictured with Cardinal Sebastian Francis in Rome following his elevation to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis on September 30, 2023. On the left is Fr Andrew Khoo of the Institute of the Incarnate Word.)
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