An Interfaith Experience with the Canossian Sisters in Malaysia!

A highlight of my weekend was staying at the Canossian Convent in Kluang, Johor, Malaysia, near the home of the Canossian Sisters. I immersed myself in their global mission of service and celebrated the 250th Birthday Anniversary of the Foundress, St Magdalene of Canossa.

Engaging with the sisters and learning about their religious life and dedication to others profoundly nourished my spirit. I return from Kluang feeling stronger as a woman and firmer in my ???????? (???????) closer to my faith (Islam). Special thanks to Sr Christin, Sr Mary, and Sr Jenny for their warmth, hospitality, and openness to my curiosity. This was an enriching interfaith dialogue of the way, truth, and life (?????? ?????????????? ????????).

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In 1905, four Canossian Sisters from Singapore arrived in Melaka, Malaysia, invited by the Portuguese Mission in Macao to care for the education of impoverished children.

In countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, the Canossian Sisters embraced interculturality as an integral part of their life, accepting one another beyond differences of race, culture, and language. I witnessed this firsthand in Kluang, interacting with sisters who are fluent in Malay, Tamil, Chinese, and English.

In the 1950s, the Canossian Convent in Kluang was established, situated on 25 acres of land donated by the Sultan of Johor. Within a month of opening, 300 girls had enrolled. Alongside their service elsewhere, the Canossian Sisters manage the Miriam Home for the Aged in Kluang, providing care for approximately 40 residents.

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There is ample information about the remarkable work of the Canossian Daughters of Charity (Canossian Sisters), a Catholic religious institute founded by Magdalene of Canossa in Verona, Italy, in 1808. St Magdalene was a leading advocate for the poor in her region, having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic invasion of northern Italy. She collaborated with humanitarians in her mission to support the poor, focusing especially on the education and empowerment of women.

The Canossian Sisters I met in Kluang, much like those I grew up around in Singapore, continue this legacy of empowering women through education.

Of course, these principles are not unique to Catholic missionaries. However, for many of us with Canossian ties, regardless of religion, the enduring lineage of female leadership that began with St Magdalene of Canossa, St Bakhita, and the many Canossian Sisters that followed, holds particular significance. They served communities before wars, endured through conflicts, and returned to heal, educate, and empower once again.

Personally, what draws me to the Canossian Sisters is their identity as women dedicated to their faith and service, rooted in their spiritual values, much like Khadijah (r.a), the wife of Prophet Muhammad, and Fatima Az-Zahra (r.a.), his daughter, who is known for her humble life, resilience, and courage in the face of hardship.

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As we sing in our school song, we are “???????????? ???? ???????????? ??????????????????”, “????????????????????????, ???????? ?????????? ???????? ????????.” I cannot fully express how much these words resonate with me now more than ever.

Life has been particularly tough lately, and I often find myself caught in moments of despair, wondering if it’s all (the interfaith work to unite people) is worth the effort.

As my dear Jewish friend Guillaume Levy-Lambert reminded me yesterday evening: “The great work has begun, and you're pulling your weight. Hang in there, keep smiling, and stay focused”.

I am deeply grateful to the Canossian sisters for setting me firmly back on the path; the commitment towards interfaith that brings and keeps people close before, during and after war times; despite of our conflicting and disagreeing stances.

I am especially grateful to Sr Theresa Seow, who has been my guiding star for exemplary women’s leadership in interfaith dialogue.

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Alhamdulillah. Praise be to G-d for these blessed interfaith encounters and for sending strength through the people He chooses to be around my life.

I sincerely hope this sharing offers strength to many of us, especially young people—whether religious or non-religious—who are losing faith in the institutions around us. May it give hope for you to step forward, connect with others who share your mission for humanity and peace. Find strength in dialogue, away from toxic debates and hostility, which have served us no good. Seek peace within yourself and in the community around you as a priority.

A very special thanks to Eugenie Sia and her team for giving me this opportunity; I needed this, more than you need my assistance.

More photos in Facebook sharing: https://www.facebook.com/nazhathFaheema/posts/pfbid02KLGR3UJvv2xf1458HoehsATaBGq8HQa5Z7wto6rQKbn3Tj2qKUYA1L5a5Z97mR5Sl