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Born in Damascus, Syria, on July 6, 1964, Nahida received her Baptism and Confirmation in the Antioch Greek Orthodox Church on October 20, 1964. Her parents, Suleman Al Sawa and Rosien Akel raised her and her one sister in Damascus.
Nahida received her primary and high school education in local schools. In her college education, she majored in accounting. With seven and a half months of English, she went on to work in an insurance agency and tobacco company as a secretary and accountant. Later on, a Jesuit priest was essential in “opening the door for me to God.” He asked her to teach Arabic to two of our Holy Family Sisters who would be coming to Damascus. Eventually she entered the community and completed her postulancy, novitiate, and first vows in Rome, Italy. Maria Nahida professed her Final Vows on March, 29, 2009 in Grand Prairie, Texas and chose as her mystery God, Love and Peace.
Sr. Nahida spent time living and serving in various areas of the Congregation; England, Poland, Rome, the Philippines and even back in her home country, Syria, In 2009 she moved to Philadelphia where she continued her education at Holy Family Universty while also serving as Director of Religious Education at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church. Later she served at Nazareth Academy Grade School where she was loved by the children. She was a Library Assistant, Book Purchaser, and assisted in the Development Office. Sister continued in that role up until 2024, despite the hardship caused by her illness.
Her Mystery taken at her Final Vows was God’s Love and Peace. How appropriate this was for her own particular mission. As she stated, “It’s a very difficult time for Syrian families, including my own, because of the war and the persecution of Christians. We do not know when or if we will be able to visit Syria and meet together as a family again.” As found in the Prayer of Christians for the Feast of the Holy Family on Dec 29, 2024, Psalm 122 says, “For love of my brethren and friends, I say, “’Peace upon you’.”
On the Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28, 2024, before the day turned to dusk, the Holy Innocents came and escorted our Innocent, Sister Nahida, to her heavenly home. Now, may she enjoy the blessings of peace and love in Eternal Life. To share your messages of remembrance, please visit our Message of Remembrance page. May she rest in peace.
