A press statement emailed to Sunday Trust by the spokesperson of the of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ congregation at the weekend Rev Sr Mary Lucella Ukaegbu noted that the late Magdalen died at the age of 102.
She was the second Sister with whom Archbishop Charles Heerey of blessed memory founded the congregation in 1937.
Preaching at the vigil mass of her funeral, His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze described Mother Magdalen as a woman of great faith who lived her whole life imparting Christian faith to others, especially the young.
Although she had to suffer much for her vocation because her people did not want her to become a Sister, she remained steadfast and with her companion, Mother Mary Bernadette Anyogu, became the pillars on which the congregation was founded.
She was ever joyful and always gave thanks to God for his goodness. Cardinal Arinze enjoined all to emulate her virtues.
The funeral Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, and Most Rev. Gregory Ochiagha, Bishop Emeritus of Orlu Diocese.
Mother Mary Magdalen will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Her death marked the end of an era of earthly presence of the foundation members for the congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ.
