Sr. Christina Lipi Desai, a devoted member of the Sisters of Charity of Sts. Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa, passed away on October 17 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dinajpur, northern Bangladesh.
She was 52 years old and had served 30 years in religious life. She had been suffering from bone cancer.
Sr. Christina was Headmistress of St. Joseph’s School in Ganeshtala, Dinajpur, for the past 10 years. She began her teaching career in 1999 and served with dedication until her final days.
In addition to teaching, she was House Superior for six years at both Ganeshtala and Mariampur convents. She also served as a counselor for her congregation for six years.
Her death has deeply saddened many. Students, parents, fellow nuns, relatives, and well-wishers mourned her passing. People of all faiths, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians, expressed their grief.
Sr. Maria Goretti Cruze, Provincial Superior of the Capitanio Sisters, told Radio Veritas Asia, “I am pained by Sr. Christina’s death. We lost a great asset of our congregation.”
She added, “Her deep devotion to education and human service will be remembered by all. Her leadership, affectionate behavior, and Christian values inspired many students. Today, she rests in the arms of the heavenly Father.”
Sr. Maria described her as calm, simple, and respectful. “She had good relations with the local government, the education board, and neighboring schools. I never saw her angry. Everyone liked her.”
“She was an ideal teacher, dedicated to quality education for children. Her leadership was outstanding. Her death is not only a loss for our congregation but also for the Catholic Church and our country,” Sr. Maria said.
Sr. Christina was buried at Mariabad Borni Parish Cemetery, Natore, beside her mother’s tomb.
Mirajul Islam, a Muslim well-wisher, said, “May her soul rest in eternal peace. She was a good person and a headmistress of the highest caliber. Her discipline and dedication improved the school. Her place cannot be filled.”
Kamellia Irad, a Muslim mother of three students at St. Joseph’s, said, “She was humble, responsible, and kind-hearted, calm and firm. An ideal head teacher. I was fortunate that my children studied under her.”
She recalled a moment from last year’s Teachers’ Day: “We sat in her room and talked. She showed me children’s drawings and listened to my concerns. I don’t think there will be another head teacher like her.”
“She made a place in the hearts of countless students and parents in Dinajpur. My humble respects to her,” Kamellia added.
Augustine Plabon, a Catholic and former student, said, “It was like a bolt from the blue. We will miss her forever. She was intelligent and kind, one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
Bishwajit Sarkar, a Hindu, said, “She was a unique star of St. Joseph’s School. Her contribution is unforgettable. I saw a strong person. May God reward her for her good deeds.”
Anas Mahmud, a Muslim and former student, said, “From 2010 to 2018, I studied at St. Joseph’s. Sr. Christina was an impeccable leader. Farewell, Sister Christina.”
Setu Mahaly, a Christian youth, said, “I lost my true teacher. I am forever indebted to her. May God rest her in His arms.”
Sr. Christina Lipi Desai’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she taught, led, and loved.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
