Award to the FMA of Singapore

Singapore. On 7 September 2024, Sister Charlene Chua, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, from Mary Our Help Province (CMY) of Singapore, received the “Woman of Distinction” Award from Holy Child Jesus School (CHIJ), the oldest Catholic school for girls in Singapore, where she studied for 10 years, from grade 1 to grade 10.

The ceremony took place during the celebration of the 171^st anniversary of the school, founded in 1854 by the French Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Child Jesus (CHIJ).

Suor Charlene Chua, the first Daughter of Mary Help of Christians in Singapore, was one of 13 women to receive the Award, in recognition of the Past Pupils who live the values of CHIJ – compassion, humility, integrity, perseverance, and faith in their respective life paths. The award was presented by Ms. Jane Ittogi, wife of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was the guest of honor of the evening.

Sister Charlene, shared: “Although there is no Salesian presence in Singapore, God prepared me for life as a FMA through the years spent at CHIJ, where I received a Catholic education focused on values and service to others. The ‘IJ spirit’ that I experienced in school also gave me a taste of our Salesian Family Spirit, in a slightly different style. I am very grateful to the first Sisters of the IJ who founded this school which has benefited me and many other young women. I also thank you for the gift of my vocation as a FMA, which is why I was nominated for this Award.”

On the eve of Pope Francis’ arrival in Singapore, may this recognition inspire other young women in Singapore – and not only – to open themselves to God’s call to live His wonderful plan of Love for their lives and be signs of hope for all humanity.