a life dedicated to the education of women

The Franciscan Missionary of Mary, originally from Ireland but a Malaysian citizen since 1966, was 95 years old. Nicknamed “the singing nun,” she left behind a legacy of caring for students of all religions and ethnicities. “No one ever felt out of place,” says Jemilah Mahmood. The testimonies of those who knew her speak of her being passionate about teaching. She founded the Assumption schools and the Ave María Welfare clinic.

Kuala Lumpur () – At this time Kuala Lumpur is in mourning for the death of Sister Enda Ryan, Franciscan Missionary Sister of Mary (FMM) who died on Sunday at the age of 95. Originally from Ireland since 1966, she had become a citizen of Malaysia, a country in which for decades she provided tireless service in favor of women's education, leaving a great void among people, of all ethnicities and religions, who they met. The Sister Enda leaves behind the primary and secondary schools of Asunción that she founded, as well as the Ave María Welfare clinic, which later became a hospital. But, above all, there remains the example of her faith, as well as her commitment and care for unity among students, regardless of her creed or ethnic origin.

Numerous testimonies are circulating during these hours from those who knew her passionate ministry: proof of what was sown in 31 years of missionary work by the educator, nun and director, born Eileen Philomena Ryan, on December 30, 1928 in Galbally, Irish county of Limerick. She entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (an institute founded by Helene de Chappotin) in 1947 and arrived in what was then Malaya in 1954, following a request from Sir Michael Hogan – then Chief Justice of Malaysia – to establish schools for girls whose Education had been interrupted during the communist insurrection in the country. The Sister Enda Ryan had just finished her bachelor's degree and her higher diploma in Education.

“The maternal love that animated her always moved everyone. Her drive, enthusiasm and zeal for life inspired us to live it to the fullest,” writes Vimalathevi Perumal, a former student, on the Assumption College alumni portal. “All of us, her students, owe this great icon immeasurable gratitude for having formed us to be good and responsible citizens of this nation,” she adds. Another student, Regina Morris, told that Sister Enda was nicknamed “the singing nun” because she never hid her love of singing. “Make Me an Instrument. The Singing Sister” is the title of her 2013 biography edited by Nesamalar Chitravelu. The missionary composed the school anthem, whose lyrics embodied her values. Despite her Irish origins, she sang Malay folk songs, such as “Rasa Sayang”, with the same gusto as “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”. “She was tireless in her mission to spread truth and charity, which is the school's motto imprinted in our hearts (Ad Veritatem Per Caritatem, ed),” Morris added. She was a teacher, a principal and a mother to us all. “.

Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, former president of Mercy Malaysia, an international NGO that provides medical assistance in disasters, also spoke about Sister Enda to local media Free Malaysia Today. “No one ever felt out of place and all the students got along well, despite their different ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said. He recounted the extent to which her encounter with the Irish missionary helped shape the person she is now. “She definitely shaped me into who I am today, boosting my confidence and self-esteem when it comes to public speaking and developing an interest in charity work,” he added. One aspect, the acquisition of greater confidence, which Jemilah, another former student, also highlighted. “All students were able to practice their beliefs in a safe environment. This is what a school should be, where ethics, kindness and respect prevail.”

One of the qualities that was most attributed to him was the care and attention he gave to his students, without ever having heard anyone “non-Christian.” “He often reminded us that we were all equal when it came to studying and being independent,” says Asimah Amaluddin, who is now an English teacher at her former Assumption High School. She remembers Sister Enda as a kind and loving person with everyone, who made no distinctions. Former Assumption School Principal Teresa Chan said the missionary inspired her to become an even better version of herself, pushing her “to be more compassionate, empathetic; a servant leader.”

Throughout her long life, Sister Enda Ryan has received numerous awards for her commitment to education. These included the Excellent Service Award from the Ministry of Education (1985), the Distinguished Service Award (1986), the Meritorious Service Award from the Sultan of Selangor (1987) and the Selangor Teacher of The Year Award (1990). She was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Taylor's University in 2022.