It is with deep sadness that Cabrini Health announces the death of Sister Beatriz Santos MSC, who sadly passed away on 21 January from injuries sustained in a car accident. Sister Beatriz was part of our community for five decades and served a busy and fulfilling life in Australia and internationally as a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the Cabrini Sisters) is a missionary congregation of women, present on six continents and in 16 countries of the world, who commit their entire life, energies, talents and time to bringing the reign of God’s love wherever they live. Cabrini Health is built on the charism of the Sisters, who respond to all with compassion and serve with excellence.

Sr Beatriz was born in Manila, Philippines, in 1940 and entered the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on October 17, 1969. She was first missioned to Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne in 1971 in the Discharge and Admitting Office. From 1986 to 1990, Beatriz was assistant to the Director of the Catholic Immigration Office in Melbourne, coordinating the settlement of newly arrived refugees. She studied for her Masters and Doctorate in Social Science (Family Studies) at Australian Catholic University. She was an avid student, receiving numerous degrees from universities in the Philippines, Italy and Australia. Sr Beatriz also published research papers on refugee policy. Her work globally saw her posted as far as Italy, Madrid, London, Buenos Airies and Chicago, and she could speak five languages.

Sr Beatriz regularly visited Cabrini Malvern to attend Mass and could often be seen walking the halls greeting staff and patients. She will be dearly remembered for her quiet and unassuming presence, her willingness to be missioned where she was most needed, and her commitment to the passion of Mother Cabrini in reaching out to the most vulnerable.

The funeral for Sr Beatriz will take place at 11 am on Thursday 30 January at St Joseph’s Church, Malvern.