A Tribute to Late Rev. Sr. Toms Maria Sabs (1947–2025)

“Well done, good and faithful servants… enter into the joy of your Master.” – (Mt. 25:23)

The Diocese of Kohima mourns the passing of Rev. Sr. Toms Maria SABS, who was called to her eternal reward on August 15, 2025, at the age of 78. A member of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS), Corpus Christi Province, Dimapur, Sr. Toms Maria leaves behind a legacy of deep faith, dedicated missionary service, and unwavering love for God and His people.

Early Missionary Work in Tuensang

As a Religious Nun, Sr. Toms Maria was serving as a government teacher. She took a voluntary retirement from the government service and joined the North East Catholic Mission. She was one among the pioneering Catholic missionaries in Nagaland. She reached Tuensang Catholic Mission in 1971, which is one of the earliest Catholic establishments in the region. This mission had been founded in 1965 amidst significant opposition, hostility, and suspicion both from the local people, due to political and religious tensions, and from the Indian authorities, who misread the missionary presence as politically motivated.

Despite such trials, missionaries like Sr. Toms Maria courageously persevered, embodying the Gospel message through their selfless service and authentic witness. The Catholic Mission faced isolation, hostility, and danger during the volatile times of the Indo-Naga conflict. Still, through the efforts of people like her, Tuensang became the birthplace of Catholic faith in Eastern Nagaland.

A Remarkable Educator and Faith Builder

Sr. Toms Maria was a gifted Mathematics teacher, an expert accountant, a loving teacher, known for her clarity, discipline, and deep concern for her students. Beyond academics, she instilled Christian values, moral integrity, and a sense of purpose among those she taught. Her classroom was a place where countless children first learned not only formulas and equations, but also love, respect, faith, and discipline.

Among her early students in the 1970s and '80s several boys from Phuvkiu Village and Phelungre Village embraced the Catholic faith and carried it back to their native villages. In spite of all the stiff oppositions, the young boys remained firm in the Catholic faith under her nurturing guidance. The small mustard seed of faith they planted has since grown into a thriving community with two Catholic parishes, multiple centres, and many vibrant Catholic villages in Kiphire region. Thanks to all the pioneering religious priests and nuns; particularly we owe to Sr. Toms Maria for her tireless commitment and example.

A Life of Love, Sacrifice, and Mission

Over the years, Sr. Toms Maria served in various mission centres across Nagaland, Manipur, and Kerala: Tuensang, Jakhama, Chümoukedima, St. Paul, Shanti Bhavan, Dimapur, and Hungpung, to name a few. Everywhere she went, she carried the same spirit of love and dedication.

She was a mother to the poor, a teacher to the ignorant, a friend to the lonely, and a spiritual guide to many. Her empathy, authenticity, and unwavering faith made her a beacon of Christ’s love in the Northeast. Even in her final years, she chose a quiet life of prayer and spiritual direction, nurturing the younger members of her congregation with gentleness and wisdom. Her religious life was not merely a years on a calendar, it was a living testimony of love. She embraced her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, not as a burden, but as a pathway to deeper union with Christ. Whether in prayer, in service or in community life, she carried within her the quite joy of someone who knew to whom she belonged to.

Voices of Gratitude from her past pupils

Sr. Toms Maria has touched the lives of so many people and many still cherish her sweet memories. There are thousands of people who are paying tribute to her from far and wide.

Abraham Shahoto: “If not for Sr. Toms Maria, the Catholic faith might never have reached our village. She didn’t just teach us; she showed us how to live the Gospel.”

SK James: “Sisters not only taught us lessons but also how to live a good life… Today, Eastern Nagaland has so many educated persons because of the dedicated sacrifices of the Rev. Sisters.”

Asangla Jamir: “Sister Toms Maria was our class teacher in 10th. She taught us Maths. In spite of our class being very naughty, she loved us and we loved her back. She was born in the year India gained Independence and passed away on Independence Day… I’ll never forget that.”

Tsachola Rothrong: What sad news! One of our childhood histories has left for her heavenly abode. May her soul rest in peace.

Roseline John: “She is our Sister and had a gentle way of making us feel known and cared for. Her words still guide me.”

John Tsulise: “What we are today is because of the seed of discipline and faith she sowed in our childhood. We owe her more than we can say.”

Jessy Medo: “She was the kindest, cutest mother. Thank you for your service to humanity.”

Anden Konyak: “Lt. Rev. Sr. Toms Maria taught us mathematics at St John's School Tuensang. She was always kind, patient and compassionate. The last time I met her was on August 5, 2025 in hospital. I never expected that she would leave us so soon.”

Birila Tokiu: “Sr. Toms Maria was a woman of few words, yet her presence spoke volumes; sincere, composed, humble, and unwavering in her purpose. As a nun she gave her whole life to Christ and His mission. She chose to serve humanity by imparting education in the farthest corners of the North East. She came with a quiet resolve, and she stayed faithful to her calling until her very last breath. She lived a life filled with meaning and left behind a legacy that carries eternal significance.”

These voices, spanning generations, reflect the depth of her impact and the warmth of her legacy.

Legacy of a True Missionary

The Catholic Church in Eastern Nagaland was born out of the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of missionaries who dared to believe that Christ’s love could overcome prejudice, fear, and war. Sr. Toms Maria was one such soul. She came to a pagan dominated area to give the gospel of Christ and to open the eyes of the young future generations through the window of education. In a time of political unrest, cultural opposition, and religious division, she stood firm on the rock of Christ, bearing witness through humility, service, and love.

Her life is a shining example of missionary zeal. Her memory will live on not only in the annals of Catholic mission history but in the lives of thousands who were transformed through her influence both Catholic and non-Catholic.

Final Days

In her final years, she devoted her life to prayers, nurturing the spiritual lives and guiding the junior sisters of her congregation. Even at late night, she was found spending long hours before the Lord in the convent chapel. On her last day, Sr. Toms Maria showed the scapular on her neck to Rev. Fr. Johny, the Parish Priest of Holy Cross and said: “If you die wearing this scapular, you will go to heaven.” She was hospitalised some weeks ago and came back feeling better. We were all glad that she was on a recovery mode. And no one thought that she would leave us so early at Shanti Bhavan Convent, Dimapur. But for the Saints, the Holy and the Godly people, death is just a next step to eternal life. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – (Psalm 116:15)

“If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are for the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)

May the soul of Sr. Toms Maria find everlasting peace in the light of Christ. Amen.

Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chang and Dr. Fr. Obed Yimchunger