Ex- Malala students bid farewell to Sr. Edith after 50 plus years of service

Former students of Malala Catholic Secondary School in Madang gathered last Sunday morning at the Alexsishaffen SSPS Convent Chapel to celebrate a farewell Holy Mass in honour of one of the school's founding sisters, Sr. Edith Cornelia Ties.

Sr. Edith, a member of the SSPS Sisters congregation, dedicated over 50 years of service as a teacher in Madang Province, including 30 years at Malala Catholic Secondary School.

She also served for six years as Provincial Superior at Divine Word High School, later known as Divine Word Institute and now Divine Word University.

The farewell Mass brought together a large number of former students whose lives were shaped by Sr. Edith's commitment to education, faith, and service.

During the homily, celebrant Fr. Willson Jacob thanked God for Sr. Edith's life and service. He reflected on the example of King Solomon, who asked God for wisdom.

‘’A true servant of God is one who seeks wisdom and faithfully serves others, with a listening heart and serves truthfully," he said.

Former students described Sr. Edith as a dedicated, humble, and respectful educator who earned the respect of both past and present students.

Nicholas Gamuna, who is now a student leader at DWU, said that Sr. Edith's commitment to discipline, compassion, and education has left a lasting impact on generations of Malala students.

Responding to the heartfelt tributes, Sr. Edith thanked her former students and said that respect is something that is earned through the way people treat one another.

She added that teaching and spending time with her students has been the most precious part of her ministry, saying it is a calling she has deeply loved.

“I love teaching. On the weekends, I have body aches, but on Monday, when I stepped into the classroom, there are no aches at all. All my students, past and present, are well behaved. This is the most thing I treasured and I will take it with me home to Austria. I pray that God continue to bless all my students, their children, and grandchildren," she said.

The farewell mass was an emotional occasion as former students reflected on the lasting impact Sr. Edith has had on their lives, not only academically but also spiritually and personally.

Originally from Austria, Sr. Edith left her home in her early twenties to serve as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. She is one of the four founding sisters of Malala Catholic Secondary School.

Two other sisters have since passed on while the only one remaining is sister, Sr. Ingeburg is continuing her ministry at Malala.