Humble nun laid to rest in Cooks

St Joseph’s Cathedral in Rarotonga was filled last Thursday for Sister Teresa (Selina) Momoyalewa of St Joseph of Cluny.

Sister Teresa was carried by pallbearers from the church to her place of burial, behind Nukutere college. She was born in Fiji on April 8, 1938, the eldest of 12 children.

Sister Teresa attended Lomary primary school, where the Cluny Sisters had a boarding school.

Drawn to religious life and in admiration of the Cluny Sisters who were teachers, she sought permission from her parents to join them.

Sister Teresa started her postulancy in 1954 New Zealand and made her first profession in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Suva on January 14, 1958.

From then on, she lived her religious life passionately and faithfully, carried out her duties with dedication and love.

From 1994 to 2005, she was missioned to the Cook Islands as principal of St Joseph’s primary school. She passed away at Rarotonga hospital on Wednesday.

The Catholic community of Manihiki held a memorial communion service for her on Wednesday at the Holy Family Parish.

Apii Ruamanu principal Anna Rauru said: “She was a loving, humble and beautiful sister and Mama to me and my family, we appreciate and love her very much. “We will miss having you at home and visiting the convent. Thank you so much for calling me last Thursday and having that moment with you. Love you dearly and miss not being there. Rest in Love and Peace Sister Teresa… our Mama Tere, and fly high with the angels.”

Cook Islands News