Hsinchu County: Sister Giusebbiana Frongia, an Italian-born Catholic nun who became a Taiwanese citizen in 2017, has passed away at the age of 93. She dedicated her life to caring for needy children in a remote village in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu County for 65 years, according to a statement from the local mayor.

According to Focus Taiwan, Hsinchu County Zhubei City Mayor Cheng Chao-fang announced the death of Sister Giusebbiana Frongia, also known by her Chinese name Chao Hsiu-jung, in a Facebook post. Born in Sardinia, Italy, in 1932, Frongia arrived in Taiwan 65 years ago, focusing her life on educating Indigenous children in Hsinchu County’s Jianshi Township and engaging in missionary work.

Frongia was instrumental in constructing a Catholic church and a kindergarten in the region, dedicating decades to supporting the Indigenous Atayal people. Mayor Cheng praised her as “Taiwan’s equivalent of Mother Teresa,” noting that Frongia, affectionately called “Mumu” by the Atayal people, meaning mother, left a lasting legacy of care and love in Taiwan with her passing.

Additionally, Lee Tao-lin, secretary-general of the Hsinchu Science Park Management Association, shared with CNA that he became friends with Frongia in 2017. Upon learning of her wish to become a Taiwanese citizen, he initiated a petition to expedite her naturalization process, resulting in her being granted citizenship in June of that year.