SR CHRISTINA YABOM TAMUT

With profound sorrow but deep faith in the resurrection, we bid farewell to our beloved Sr. Christina Tamut, who left for her eternal abode on 18th February 2025. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit of love, service, and commitment will remain imprinted in our hearts forever.

Sr. Christina Tamut, fondly known as Yabom, was born on 2nd January 1977 in Jomoh, Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh, to her loving parents, Mr. Talung Tamut and Mrs. Atek Tamut. She was the fourth of five children in a devout and close-knit family. Her journey of faith began when she was baptized on 25th December 2002 at St Francis De Sales Parish, Pasighat, Itanagar. Drawn to a life of prayer and service, she joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation North East Province, on 19th May 2007, where her religious vocation took deep roots.

After having gone through the formation Sr. Christina made her First Profession on 26th April 2012 and her Final Profession on 19th April 2017 at Assisi Convent, Dimapur. She thus became the first flower of the Arunachal Pradesh to bloom in the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. After her graduation she embarked on a mission to spread the message of love and hope. She served as a missionary in the states of North East India, namely- Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Assam. With unwavering commitment, she served as a teacher and pastoral caregiver in various communities of North East Province. Her dedication to the Lord who called her, her faith and her desire to bring light to those in need epitomized her joyful and generous nature.

When serving as a missionary in the remote village of Arunachal Pradesh Sr Christina fell ill in the month of September 2024. She was brought to the Provincialate, Dimapur for treatment and rest. When her health started declining she was shifted to Mangalore to Fr Muller Hospital in the month of January 2025 for advanced medical care. She was diagnosed with a rare fungal infection -Taleromyces which had affected her immune system. Her vital organs were affected by this fungus which seemed beyond cure. Despite the doctors' tireless efforts, her condition worsened day by day. On the night of 16th February 2025, Sr. Christina became gravely ill and was admitted to the ICU. Surrounded by prayers and love, in the presence of Sisters she peacefully surrendered her soul to her Creator on 18th February 2025 at 11.00 pm. 

Sr. Christina’s life was a testament to the virtues of simplicity, generosity, and pastoral zeal. She was social, lovable, hardworking, and committed to every responsibility entrusted to her. Her strong willpower, caring nature, and joyful spirit inspired everyone who knew her. She had a special place in her heart for the children, elderly, the poor, and the marginalized, reflecting the compassionate love of Christ in her everyday interactions. All those who came under the influence of Sr Christina will never forget her smiling face, her simple ways, concern towards the families and her prayerful support. She had great devotion to our Lady of Lourdes and always talked about erecting a Grotto in honour of our Lady in the Provincialate with the help of her family. Yes, her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of all of us Sisters, her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her.

Though our hearts are broken, we find solace in knowing that Sr. Christina’s suffering has ended, and she now rests in the loving embrace of God. As the psalmist says “The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34: 18) Her beautiful example of faith, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire us and guide us in our journey of life and mission.

Sr Christian’s mortal remains were brought to Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu on 22^nd February at 1.00 pm.  The funeral Mass was celebrated at 3.00 pm presided over by Rev. Fr. Daniel vegies  O.P. Episcopal vicar for Religious of Mangalore Diocese with five  other concelebrants. Rev. Sr. Milly Fernandes the Superior General,  Rev. Sr Clara Menezes, Provincial Superior and their Council,  Good number of Sisters of Northeast Province, Sisters from Generalate, Central Delegation, Mysore, Mangalore Province, Martha her niece and some family members  accompanied her during her final journey and paid their last respects.  Rev. Fr. Daniel Veigas conducted the funeral rites. She is laid to rest at Jeppu Cemetery.

Adieu, dear Sr. Christina! You have left our sight but never our hearts. We take comfort in the memories of your amazing life. Your tireless dedication, silent suffering, generous heart, godly smile have left an unforgettable mark on our lives .We entrust your soul to the merciful hands of our Heavenly Father and pray that you intercede for us your Sisters, family members and all those whom you loved and served so generously.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.