By Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS)
KUCHING — Sr Francisca Chin @ Jacincta Chin Soy Leng was born on Nov 29 1931. She had four siblings and was the youngest in her family.
Sr Francisca was admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital Emergency Ward on Feb 5 2025 for vomiting sickness and was under strict observation. Her health deteriorated and was called home to be with the Lord on Feb 8 2025, 6.53 PM, at the Sarawak General Hospital at the age of 93.
The encoffin was held on Feb 10, 2025, at 8.15 am at the Home of Santa Clara’s Chapel. Funeral Mass was held at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching and she was laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery, 7½ Mile, Kota Sentosa, Kuching.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by Msgr William Sabang – delegated by Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh and concelebrated with four Priests. In the Homily of Msgr William, he referred to the teachings of St Paul regarding baptism. He emphasised the continuity of existence beyond physical death, that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new life in the presence of God.
St Paul explains that when we were baptised in Christ Jesus, we were baptised into His death. In other words, through our baptism, we joined Him in His death and were brought to the tomb with Him. Just as Christ was raised from the dead for the glory of the Father, we too are called to live a new life. In the first reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Romans, we find significant insights about the early Christian community’s teachings on life and death.
On the subject of praying for the dead, Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung had shared an important perspective. He noted that “It is a pity that some Christians do not believe in praying for the dead even for the departed of their loved ones. They said once the person is dead, there is no hope anymore”.
But in Christian tradition, especially within Catholicism, we pray for the dead. This practice is comforting because it assures us that, when we die, someone will be there to pray for us. We also share the belief that the good will go to heaven and the bad will go to hell. However, we continue to pray for those who have passed on because we believe that after death, a person may be in a state that is neither entirely good nor entirely bad. Our belief teaches us that the deceased need our prayers, sacrifices, and good deeds.
Through the mercy of God, we hope that they will be released from this intermediate state. Praying for the dead stems from our conviction that death is not the end of life, but rather the beginning of new life. Praying for the dead is seen as an act of love and hope, reflecting a belief in the interconnectedness of life and death, the need for divine mercy, and the promise of eternal life.
The teachings from the Gospel related to belief in resurrection are highlighted in the context of the story of Lazarus. In this account, Jesus states, “I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in Me, even though he dies, he will live; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die”. This emphasises the belief that faith in Jesus provides eternal life, even after physical death.
During the funeral Mass, we commended the body and soul of Sr Francisca Chin to God. We pray that God will have mercy on her soul and grant her eternal rest.
Sr Francisca was certainly a woman of faith, shown in a life of following Jesus as a Religious Sister. She was described as a likeable, dedicated kindergarten teacher while stationed in Sibu. She was also a good community cook when she was able-bodied. In spite of her old age, she still wanted to do more as in the expression “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”.
On 5 July 1954, she wrote to the FMSJ Superior (Mother Tarcisius) stating that she was ready to enter the Novitiate and requesting to join the Little Sisterhood as she wished to consecrate herself to God and for His Glory, to devote her “life’s service”.
During her Religious Formation – She was the last LSSFS formee till November 1955, under the Franciscan Missionaries of St Joseph, Novice Mistress Mother Francis McGreeves FMSJ. Her Initial Formation was @ St Teresa’s Convent, Kuching; thereafter from 1954 to 1955 she resided at the old Convent, at St Theresa’s Primary School Convent, Padungan.
From 1956 to 1957 her Post-Novitiate was at the new Novitiate Convent of Mary Immaculate, where besides Study and Spiritual Activities she was also doing household duties. She made her Perpetual Religious Profession on 5 September 1962.
On 3 December 2017, we had the honour of celebrating her Diamond Jubilee – 60 years as Religious Sister at the age of 86.
Throughout her 67 years of dedicated religious life, she had been transferred to different outstations and entrusted with various apostolates, and ministries, each reflecting her commitment to service and leadership. The following details are the outline of her assignments during those significant journeys:
- SIBU (1958 TO 1982)
Resided at St Mary’s Convent. From 1982 to 1987, she lived at St Elizabeth’s Convent (Jalan Oya) and taught at St Elizabeth’s Kindergarten for a total of 29 years. She also served as the Church Sacristan during this time. - BINTULU (1987 TO 1998)
Spent 11 years serving as Sister-in-Charge of the Community, where she handled various domestic duties. - BINTANGOR (28 DECEMBER 1998 TO 2001)
Lived at Christ the King Convent and became Sister-in-Charge of the community on 1 May 2000. While in outstations, she provided religious instruction to both children and adults, conducted home visits, and brought Holy Communion to the elderly and infirm. - KUCHING (28 JANUARY 2002 TO 2014)
Resided at the Home of Santa Clara in BDC. Served as Sister-in-Charge from 2002 to November 2005, caring for elderly and sick Sisters and managing household responsibilities. At the age of 70, she remained strong and active. - MARUDI (2015)
Worked at St Bernadette’s Convent, assisting in the Church and taking care of the plants. However, she discovered that she was allergic to the environment there and transferred out from there. - KUCHING (2016 TO FEBRUARY 2019)
Resided at St Teresa’s Convent where she worked as a cook and performed household duties. The Congregation celebrated her Diamond Jubilee on 3 December 2017. - KUCHING (FEBRUARY 2019 ONWARDS)
The last station where she resided was the Home of Santa Clara, where she retired and passed away. She breathed her last on 8 February 2025 at 6.53 PM at SGH. – Today’s Catholic
