Sr Nydia was our founding member of the Legion of Mary in Hong Kong.
In January 1949, Sr Nydia accompanied Fr Aedan McGrath (a Columban priest) from Dublin to seek for the approval from the Most Rev Bishop Valtorta of the Hong Kong Diocese to establish the Legion of Mary in Hong Kong.
Sr Nydia was a fervent Catholic attending daily Mass and praying the daily Rosary. She loved Jesus and Mother Mary that she, without hesitation, assisted Fr McGrath to start the Legion in Hong Kong.
The first senior praesidium was Mystical Rose Praesidium held at the Canossian Missions, Caine Road. Through Sr Nydia’s strong faith and devotion to Mother Mary, she encouraged many Catholics to join the Legion. She started the Twin Praesidia (Comforter of the Afflicted AM Praesidium) and (Health of the Sick PM Praesidium, now re-named as Immaculate Heart of Mary Praesidium). At that time, most members were nurses. She was concerned about their attendance in the weekly meetings, so she started the Twin Praesidia in order that they would not miss the meetings due to their shift duties. She had been the former President of Health of the Sick Praesidium. Though she was not able to be an active member due to her old age, she continued to be an Auxiliary member and joined all Legionaries in prayers.
By the grace of God, Sr Nydia passed away peacefully on 7th November 2022 at the age of 102 which coincided with the date of our Founder Br Frank Duff who died on 7th November 1980 at the age of 91.
Let us remember Sr Nydia in our prayers and in the love of Jesus and Mother Mary.
May the soul of Sr Nydia and the souls of all faithful departed legionaries through the mercy of God rest in peace.
(Extracted from the Eulogy by Sr Margaret Madar, President of the English Comitium on 29 November 2022)