Sister Giusebbiana Frongia, affectionately known as “Mumu” (mother in the Atayal language), passed away on Friday at the age of 93, closing a remarkable chapter of missionary dedication and social service that spanned over six decades in the remote mountains of Hsinchu County. Her death marks the end of an era for Taiwan’s Indigenous community, where she was not only a caregiver and educator but a symbol of enduring compassion and intercultural harmony.
A Life of Service: From Sardinia to Jianshi Township
Born in Sardinia, Italy, in 1932, Sister Frongia arrived in Taiwan in the 1950s as part of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity. At the time, Taiwan was still recovering from the social upheavals of World War II and martial law had just been imposed. Choosing the mountainous region of Jianshi in Hsinchu County—home to many Indigenous Atayal families—she began her mission in one of the island’s most underserved and inaccessible communities.
For decades, she braved treacherous terrain and limited infrastructure to provide essential services including education, health support, and religious ministry. Not only did she establish a Catholic church in Jianshi, she also founded a kindergarten to ensure the children of the Atayal tribe received foundational education—a privilege often denied to Indigenous populations in remote regions at the time.
Beyond Religion: A Legacy of Dignity and Empowerment
What set Sister Frongia apart was her holistic approach to service. While rooted in Catholic values, her mission was not confined to religious conversion. Rather, she focused on community empowerment, cultural respect, and upliftment through practical action. She immersed herself in Atayal traditions and became fluent in local customs, eventually earning the community’s trust and affection.
Her humanitarian work aligned with Taiwan’s gradual transformation into a more inclusive, rights-oriented democracy. At a time when Indigenous identity faced marginalization, Sister Frongia stood as an intermediary figure—one who navigated the divide between institutional systems and Indigenous worldviews with empathy and humility.
Naturalized as a Taiwanese Citizen
In 2017, Sister Frongia’s deep-rooted commitment was officially recognized when she became a naturalized citizen of Taiwan. Her citizenship process, initially delayed by bureaucratic challenges, was expedited after public outcry and a petition campaign led by local civic figures, including Lee Tao-lin of the Hsinchu Science Park Management Association. This move symbolized Taiwan’s growing appreciation for its multicultural social fabric and the contributions of foreign nationals like Sister Frongia.
Mourning a Humanitarian Icon
Zhubei City Mayor Cheng Chao-fang, in a heartfelt Facebook post, compared Sister Frongia to Mother Teresa, calling her a “beacon of love and hope.” Many community members, religious leaders, and public officials echoed similar sentiments over the weekend, mourning the loss of a woman whose quiet labor left an indelible mark on generations of Indigenous children and their families.
Future of Her Legacy
The Catholic church and kindergarten she founded continue to operate, now supported by younger religious and lay volunteers inspired by her model. Plans are already underway to propose a commemorative site or cultural scholarship in her honor. Local leaders have urged the Hsinchu County Government to designate June 1st as “Sister Giusebbiana Frongia Day” to annually reflect on the values she lived by.
FAQs
Who was Sister Giusebbiana Frongia?
She was an Italian-born Catholic nun who served Taiwan’s Indigenous Atayal community in Hsinchu County for 65 years, focusing on education, humanitarian aid, and intercultural service.
Why was she called “Taiwan’s Mother Teresa”?
Because of her unwavering commitment to the poor, sick, and underserved—mirroring the selflessness and love shown by Mother Teresa in India.
When and why did she become a Taiwanese citizen?
She became a citizen in 2017, after a successful public petition campaign highlighted her decades-long contribution to Taiwanese society.
What legacy did she leave behind?
Beyond physical institutions like the church and school she built, her true legacy lies in the social transformation of the Atayal community and the inspiration she offered to future generations.
What’s next in honoring her memory?
Local leaders are discussing ways to formally honor her, including commemorative events, scholarships, or a memorial in Jianshi Township.
