Sister Mary Christine Pazidam

Sister Mary Christine Pazidam (Pazhayidath), P.C.C., of the Poor Clare Colettine Community in Barhamsville, Virginia, passed into eternity to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by her Religious family. She was born on October 21, 1933, in Kerala State, South India, as one of seven children born to Joseph Pazhayidath and Eleykutty Pazhayidath. Sister Mary Christine first entered the Monastery of Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Dacca, East Pakistan—now Bangladesh—in 1952 and made her profession on August 2, 1955. In 1963, she was chosen among eight sisters to help establish a new monastery in Rawalpindi, West Pakistan. When the foundation was disbanded in 1971, Sister Mary Christine’s missionary heart prompted her and another sister to cross the ocean and join a community in Washington, D.C., where, as she stated, there were too few sisters and a need for more adorers to sustain Perpetual Adoration. They arrived at their new home in August 1971, and in 1978, Sister became a U.S. citizen. After several grace-filled years with this community, Sister Mary Christine felt a call within a call, which led her in 1981 to transfer to the Monastery of Poor Clare Colettines in Newport News, Virginia. There, she became a permanent and beloved member of the community, serving in many roles, including cook, baker, infirmarian, and sacristan. In 2004, while Sister held the office of Vicaress, the community relocated to its current site in Barhamsville, Virginia. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Thomas and Chacko, and her sisters, Annamma, Thresiamma, Elyamma, and Rosamma. Sister Mary Christine was the youngest, and her former name was Clara. She is survived by many nephews, nieces, including Mother Mary Elizabeth, P.C.P.A. (Bangladesh), Sister Mary Aroti, M.C. (Jordan), Sister Celine Mary (Holy Cross Convent, India), Sister Maria, S.A.B.S. (RIP), and Sister Rosami, M.C., as well as many grandnephews and grandnieces. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Bethlehem Monastery of Poor Clares. Viewing will begin at 7:00 AM at the Monastery. Following the funeral Mass, the burial will be private in the monastery cemetery. We would appreciate your prayers for our dear Sister.

Sister Mary Christine Pazidam

October 21, 1933 - March 30, 2026