A life for Christ
Novina Bildram was born on March 3, 1997, at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. She is the fifth of nine children born to Bildram Omar Ullap and Ancelicia Boulis Jomilo, with five sisters and three brothers.
Drawn to the Catholic Faith Though her parents were not Catholic, Novina often accompanied her devout grandmother to church. It was during a retreat that she met Sr Maria Colette, PKARM, of the Daughters of Carmel. Seeing the brown-habited sisters radiate such joy left a lasting impression on young Novina. Curious, she asked Sr Colette about the source of her happiness. Pointing to an image of Christ crucified, Sr Colette explained that it was Jesus, her divine spouse, who gave her such joy. Novina was puzzled; she had thought Christ was dead. Sr Colette gently taught her that Jesus lives, and that through her vows, she had given her life entirely to Him. Deeply moved, Novina soon approached the late Fr Fundes Montiung, parish priest of the Church of St Thomas More, Kepayan, expressing her desire for baptism. She explained, 'I want to always be happy like Sr Colette and belong to Jesus.' Recognising the sincerity of her heart, Fr Fundes agreed to prepare her for baptism. At the age of nine, Novina was baptised, a day she remembers as overflowing with grace. She offered her life to Christ, saying, 'Ask of me what You want me to do. I am ready.' From that day, a profound, lasting joy took root in her soul.
A Missionary Heart Awakens By the age of eleven, Novina felt called to bring others to Christ. Inspired to share the truth of the Gospel, she committed to learning English and strengthening her knowledge of the faith. She diligently studied the catechism and grew deeper in love with God. At twelve, after three years of eager waiting, she received her First Holy Communion, igniting in her a desire to suffer with Christ and even, if necessary, to embrace martyrdom. At fourteen, Novina experienced a second, more intense conversion — and a clear call to religious life. Though initially too young to enter a convent, she patiently persevered. Confirmed at sixteen, she later embarked on missionary work with the Holy Trinity Community (Third Order) in Indonesia and remote parts of Sabah, serving alongside the Sisters of Putri Karmel and the Brothers of Carmelitae Sancti Eliae.
The Path to Religious Life In 2016, Novina discerned a call to the Institute Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará (Servidoras) in the Philippines. She entered as a postulant on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration. On September 12, 2017, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, she received her religious name: Sr Maria Sukacita para Martir (Mary, Joy of Martyrs). Two days later, she donned her religious habit as a novice. Sr Sukacita made her first profession of temporal vows on August 15, 2018, Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, and began her studies in philosophy and theology. After two years, she was sent to her first mission: a Mercy Home for Girls in the Philippines, ministering with five other sisters to nearly forty underprivileged girls, providing care, education, and a home filled with love. In February 2024, she was assigned to Italy for further studies. In March 2025, she received her next missionary appointment: South America.
A Joyful 'Yes' Forever On April 25, 2025, Sr Maria Sukacita para Martir made her perpetual profession of vows at the Church of St Thomas More, Kepayan — the same parish where she was baptised, confirmed, and received her First Communion.
Her life of joyful surrender continues to be a testimony of hope, love, and the transformative power of encountering Christ.
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