Sr. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart O.C.D.
Born: 23rd June 1938
Called to the Lord: 17th August 2016
Entry to Carmel: 1957
Clothing: 17th April 1958
1st Profession: 7th May 1959
Solemn Profession: 7th May 1962
Golden Jubilee: 7th May 2012
Sr. Teresa Margaret, one of our sisters in community, passed away very silently in her sleep at about 5.15a.m. on the 17th of August 2016 . She was one of the two Malaysian sisters who started the Carmelite Monastery in Malaysia, Mantin.
When she saw the need to move from Mantin, she was the one who was responsible for planning and seeing to the building of a proper Carmelite Monastery in Seremban. As Prioress, she spent many years seeing to the material and spiritual needs of her sisters in community and as Novice Mistress for an equal number of years, was responsible for the formation of many of the sisters both in Singapore and Malaysia.
Sister started the OCDS in Malaysia being responsible for their formation till they were able to be responsible for their own formation. She was a friend to countless people through her correspondence and at the “Turn” when they asked for prayers. Generously Sr. Teresa Margaret shared much spiritual material through her many writings for anyone interested.
We, the community are grateful to God for having had her with us for all these years …… she, who so faithfully, lovingly and zealously lived her life before God. We miss her very much.
Carmelite Sisters, Seremban.
Why did I become a Carmelite nun?
One day, when I walked into the library of the Bukit Nanas Convent School, I saw a small paper cutting on one of the tables. The title caught my eye. It was a prayer to be said after receiving Holy Communion, and it was a prayer for union with Jesus. I asked Sister Canice, an Irish Sister in charge of the library, if I could have the prayer. She readily gave it to me. I was in Form Three at that time. From then on I used to say this prayer after I received Holy Communion. Following my parents’ good example, I had formed the habit of attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion daily whenever I could. Hence I said this prayer very frequently. And I think that the desire for union with Jesus grew stronger and stronger in me…. continue
Life’s weaving
Accompanist: Miss Christine Tee
Recording: Miss Christine Tee
My life is but a weaving between my God and me,
I may not choose the colours, He knows what they should be.
For He can view the pattern upon the upper side,
while I can see it only on this the under side.
Sometimes He weaveth sorrow, which seems so strange to me,
But I will trust His judgement, and work on faithfully;
Tis He who fills the shuttle, He knows just what is best,
So I shall weave in earnest and leave with Him the rest.
At last, when life is ended, with Him I shall abide.
Then I may view the pattern, upon the upper side.
Then I shall know the reason why pain with joy entwined,
Was woven in the fabric of life that God designed.
All is well (Julian of Norwich)
When our life on earth is ended,
and the last day of the world.
We shall all be gathered in the presence of our God.
And in the things which now are hidden,
Which we cannot understand,
We will then see clearly God’s loving, guiding hand.
Chorus:
None of us will say “If we had known these things,
there need not have been the pain.”
Instead there will be joy at the amazing love
In everything ordained.
And we’ll cry:
“Lord may You be blessed for all is well,
“Lord may You be blessed for all is well,
“Lord may You be blessed for all is well,
All is well forever!”
For in spite of all our pain and the sorrow we endure,
God is truly with us and His love forever sure.
It is His will that we should know
We are always in His care – God holds us in such love
We never need despair.
Chorus: (repeat)
“Lord may You be blessed for all is well,
“Lord may You be blessed for all is well,
“Lord may You be blessed for all is well,
All is well