The body of Sr. Asteria Manda laid to rest on 21st August 2026 at Katoto Cemetery.
With deep sorrow and hope in the resurrection, the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, together with relatives, friends, and the Christian community, gathered to bid farewell to the late Sr. Asteria Manda, whose body was laid to rest on 21st August 2026 at Katoto Cemetery in Mzuzu.
Sr. Asteria Manda died on 20th August 2026 at St. John’s Hospital in Mzuzu after battling with high blood pressure and Diabetes. Her death has left a deep sense of loss among the Sisters of the Holy Rosary and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Sr. Asteria Manda was born on 30th November 1966 and came from Matora Village in Milenje, Traditional Authority Chisemphere, Kasungu District. Her home parish was Holy Cross Parish (Nkhamenya) in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.
Responding to God’s call to religious life, she joined the Sisters of the Holy Rosary and made her first religious profession in 1988. For 38 years, she faithfully lived her consecrated life, dedicating herself to God and to the service of His people.
Throughout her religious journey, Sr. Asteria served in different communities and ministries. She worked in pastoral ministry, administration, accounts, health services, and community service. Among her various assignments were St. Mary’s Parish, the Generalate, Chilumba Health Centre, Rumphi, Mzambazi, and St. Denis Hospital at Mangwazu in Kasungu.
Her different responsibilities demonstrated her willingness to serve wherever she was needed. She approached her duties with dedication, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility.
The Requiem Mass was a solemn and prayerful celebration of her life and faith. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese.
The homily was delivered by Fr. Thomas Gondwe, who emphasized deeply on the life and witness of Sr. Asteria. He reminded the congregation of the qualities that made her life meaningful to those around her.
Sr. Asteria was remembered as a humble person, ever smiling, hardworking, peace-loving, and ready to make sacrifices for others. Her gentle smile and humble manner made her approachable, while her hard work and commitment to her responsibilities earned her the respect of those she served.
Fr. Thomas emphasized that her life was not simply about the positions she held or the tasks she performed, but about the love, sacrifice, and spirit of service with which she carried them out. She quietly gave herself for the good of others, following the example of Christ who came not to be served but to serve.
The burial at Katoto Cemetery was a deeply sorrowful moment. For the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, it was difficult to say goodbye to a sister who had shared their life, mission, prayers, joys, challenges, and sacrifices for many years.
At the age of 60, Sr. Asteria has completed her earthly journey after 38 years of consecrated service. Her passing leaves an emptiness that words can not easily express. Yet, in the midst of sorrow, the Sisters and the Christian community remain firm in the Christian hope that death is not the end, but a passage to eternal life with God.
Her life of humility, hard work, peace-making, joyful service, and sacrifice remains a precious legacy. The memories of her gentle smile, her dedication, and her willingness to serve will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew her.
As the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, her family, relatives, friends, and the entire Christian community mourn her passing, they commend her soul to the loving mercy of God, trusting in His promise of eternal life.
Sr. Asteria has gone to the Father whom she faithfully served. Her earthly mission is complete, but her memory and witness remain with us.
May the soul of Sr. Asteria Manda rest in eternal peace.
Prepared by Sr. Justina Ngulube (SHR)
