Memorial Service for Miss. Helen Chua Tiampo, Benefactress of the Province
The memorial and funeral celebration of Miss. Helen Chua Tiampo, the Benefactress of the Province and the Delegation of Canada was held with deep reverence and gratitude at the Little Flower Monastery, Fraser Valley on November 03, 2025. The ceremony beautifully reflected Helen’s profound faith, generosity, and lasting legacy within the Carmelite community.

The celebration of Helen’s life and legacy began with an opening ceremony and prayers at the monastery chapel. Members of the Secular Carmelite community, together with relatives, friends, and well-wishers, gathered to pay their respects. The service included prayers, the recitation of the Rosary, hymns, and the Holy Eucharist, invoking the Lord’s peace upon her soul. Over 200 people attended the ceremony, including seventeen priests — five from the Archdiocese of Vancouver and twelve from the Canadian Carmelite Provincial Delegation.

The mortal remains of Helen were first blessed at the monastery campus roundabout, near the monument dedicated to her. The blessing and prayers were led by Rev. Fr. Alexander Braganza, Delegate Provincial, after which the body was carried in solemn procession to the Tiampo Memorial Hall, which had been reverently transformed into a chapel for the occasion. Fr. Mario Fernandes welcomed the congregation and offered the introductory words. The choir led the assembly in melodious hymns as the priests processed for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Rudolf Valerian D’Souza was the main celebrant, celebrating the Mass in accordance with Helen’s expressed wishes.

The Scripture readings were proclaimed by members of the Secular Carmelite community, while Fr. Vincent D’Souza read the Gospel. In his homily, Fr. Rudolf reflected on the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life, emphasizing that belief in the Lord’s resurrection is the cornerstone of our own faith and personal resurrection. His words offered comfort, hope, and inspiration to all gathered.

The solemn celebration was further enriched with heartfelt tributes. Mr. Jim Tiampo, Helen’s nephew, delivered a moving eulogy, sharing cherished memories of his aunt’s love, generosity, and deep spirituality. He also performed a touching rendition of Ave Maria on the violin. Fr. Rudolf D’Souza offered another eulogy, creatively reflecting on Helen’s name— “HELEN”—to describe her virtues and legacy. Fr. Stephen Lobo prepared a comprehensive memorial video, capturing moments of Helen’s life of prayer, charity, and her immense contribution to the Carmelite mission in Canada.

Following the Mass, the body of Helen was blessed once again and taken to her final resting place within the monastery crypt. Fr. Vincent D’Souza offered the final commendation, while Fr. Rudolf performed the rite of holy water as the casket was reverently lowered. After the burial, a commemorative lunch was served in Helen’s honour, and books written by Fr. Rudolf were distributed to all in her memory.

Helen Chua Tiampo has received a rare and beautiful honour—to be buried at the very heart of the monastery she helped to establish through her extraordinary generosity. Her vision and selfless giving made possible two great spiritual homes for the Discalced Carmelite Order in Canada. Her resting place now stands as a living testimony to her love, faith, and dedication. Not all benefactors are granted such a grace; this was realized through the insightful suggestion of Fr. Rudolf and the generous consent of Helen and her lawyers. Every pilgrim and visitor who comes to the monastery will now see her resting place, remember her, and lift their hearts in prayer for her soul—a permanent reminder of how one’s life, lived in faith and generosity, continues to bless countless others.

The family members and well-wishers remain deeply grateful to the Carmelite friars for their collaboration, and to all who shared in Helen’s mission of goodness and service. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her example continue to inspire us all.