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S. MARIA YASINTHA HOAR ASA, RVM
(December 11, 1962 – February 18, 2020)
S. Maria Yasintha Hoar Asa was born on December 11, 1962 in Haitimuk, Malaka, Timor, Indonesia. She was baptized in 1973 and given the name Yasintha, but was often called by her favorite nickname, “Shinta” in her hometown. She was the eldest of 9 children (4 girls and 5 boys) of Lorensius Asa and Klementina Abuk.
As the eldest child in the family, Yasintha was expectedly the role model for her younger siblings. Her parents had dreams and hopes that as their eldest child, she would become strong and firm, and set as an example to her younger siblings with the guidance from her grandmother.
Yasintha finished her Elementary Education in 1976 at SDK Haitimuk, Malaka. In 1979; she finished Junior High School at SMPK St. Isodorus Haitimuk/ and in 1983 she completed her Senior High School at Atambua, Timor, Indonesia. After completing High School, she said, "In whatever work, there is always difficulty, but if everything is offered to God, it can be done well." She then applied and worked as an Honorary Staff at We-oe-Malaka High School as well as a dean of boarders in 1983-1985.
While carrying out her duty in the school, God’s attraction touched and directed Yasintha to listen to the whispers of the Divine Majesty in her heart. Deeply moved, she responded and said, "It depends on God what He wants me to be." Her father, however, challenged the desires of her heart, particularly as she was the eldest in the family, an important role according to Malaka’s tradition.
The young Yasintha was restless and her search for guidance and direction led her to Fr. Thomas Tahu, the Parish Priest of the Weoe Parish. She was further led to Fr. Roger Alasan, SVD, who in turn, guided and introduced her to the RVM Sisters in Niki-Niki, albeit without the consent of her parents.
Yasintha was accepted as a Postulant on Febuary 02, 1986 by Fr. Cornelis Cooy, SVD at the Aryos Niki-Niki Parish Church. A few months later, she was sent to Manila, Philippines to continue her formation.
Leaving family and being in a foreign country was a great challenge, but prayer proved to be a great help for Yasintha, who leaned on God as a source of her strength. Thus, on August 15, 1989, she pronounced her first Profession of Vows; and on March 25, 1996 she made her Final Vows. It was on August 15, 2014 when she celebrated her 25 years in the religious life
She completed her tertiary education with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Home Economics (Major in Nutrition) in 1994 at the then Immaculate Conception College in Davao City, Philippines. She also had special studies at the Asian Religious Formation Institute (ARFI) in 1997 in Antipolo City, Philippines.
As a dutiful religious, she served as an Econome/Treasurer of the Formation House in Wali Kota Baru Kupang Indonesia in 1994; and Local Superior and Formator of RVM Postulants in Soe, from 1997 to 2002. In 1999, she actively shared her time attending to the needs of the refugees from East Timor in coordination with the government and their local parish priest. From that experience, she shared, "Christ is my brother and He is also present in my brothers and sisters who need help."
From 2002 until 2006, she served as Local Superior and Novice Mistress at Saint Mary’s Novitiate in Matani, Kupang Indonesia. Then she was assigned as Local Superior in Casa Mides Matani, Kupang from 2008 to 2011 while handling Social Services in collaboration with the Doctors from Australia to help the poor and the sick people in various regions and districts; also served as . . . at Raknamo station in collaboration with Claretian Priests, Australian Doctors and friends and other acquaintances.
In 2011 up to 2016, S. Yasintha was entrusted with the responsibility of being the District Superior of Indonesia. With her immense concern for the poor and the sick, she strived to intensify the health services in collaboration with Doctors from Australia by expanding Mother Ignacia Health Care service in Nunumeu, So'E, Timor Tengah Selatan.
After completing her term of office as the District Superior of Indonesia, S. Yasintha was assigned at the Mother Ignacia Ladies Dormitory Merdeka Kupang-Indonesia from 2016 to 2018. It was in February–April 2018 that she was sent to undergo a course in Denpasar-Bali. It was there that she was found to have breast cancer. She was later sent for treatment at the Prima Medika Hospital in Denpasar. And in May 2018, she went to Manila, Philippines to undergo surgery and treatment at The Medical City Hospital. She gained strength and consolation from her two brothers, Yoseph and Ferdinandus, who came to Manila for a visit. But for S. Yasintha, the grace of healing comes only from God and she placed God first in all of her life.
On November 05, 2019, she arrived in Kupang, Timor, having been granted the request to go back home to Indonesia. With a happy smile and a new spirit, she edified the sisters who came to visit her by saying, "We don't need to be afraid. If God calls us, it means He will also take care of everything. All we need to do is to accept with joy, peace, and confidence."
With her health deteriorating, S. Yasintha was hospitalized at the Kartini Hospital and was in W. Z. Yohanes Kupang General Hospital on February 11, 2020. On Febuary 18, 2020, at exactly 6:15 p.m., S. Yasintha breathed her last. She was 57 years old and have lived her religious life for 30 years.
Guided by her life’s motto: “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), she said, "At the end of my life I will paint your love, O Lord, I will sing a love song to you. Yes, Lord, I have found Your love in those whom I served, in those who need Your love, those who are marginalized. I have found that love. I will finally walk toward the end of that love. I am now ready to walk with You my Lord, my Master. Take my hand, Lord!”
S. Yasintha, you are known as a person who shared time and life to serve the poor and the sick. Thank you for your service, for your selfless giving. Goodbye, S. Yasintha, rest in God's love and eternal peace. We love you.
Eternal rest grant unto S. Maria Yasintha, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.
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