In memory of Vinita Naidu

 

"The souls of the just are in the hands of God". This is a line from today's first reading from the book of Wisdom. As I ponder these words, I think of Vinita Naidu, friend, co-worker, and office manager here at the Columban Mission, Lower Hutt. She died last Thursday and her funeral will be tomorrow. Admitted to hospital just over two months ago, Vinita was eventually diagnosed with motor neuron disease, and within a matter of weeks she died.

 

Originally from Ba, she grew up in a town that I came to know very well during my years in Fiji. Her mother taught at the local Catholic school, St Theresa's. She eventually migrated to New Zealand where, like her mother, she made her own connections with the Columbans and ended up working in this office for 33 years! Though she was of Hindu faith, she became one of the most renowned promoters of Columban Mission throughout the world. Tributes and condolence messages have come in from Columbans around the world.

 

Every morning, after mass, I would pop into the office here for a brief chat before I went to have breakfast. Yes, she was here before the rest of us and stayed on, until her son, Rahul, came to pick her up on his way back from work, well after the rest of us. You wanted anything done she would do it. You wanted a file she would know where to find it. She would also say with a kindly smile, "Take it easy and get some rest." Vinita, may you now enjoy the rest you so richly deserve. Though we miss you, we know that your spirit and energy remains very much part of our office. God bless, friend, co-worker, office manager and Columban companion.