Italian Nun Zhao Xiurong Passes Away at 93 After Over Sixty Years of Service in Taiwan
Italian nun Zhao Xiurong passed away this afternoon (30th) in Hsinchu County at the age of 93. She dedicated over sixty years to serving in the indigenous mountainous regions, affectionately known as "Mama Zhao". Hsinchu Mayor Cheng Chao-fang expressed his sorrow on Facebook, describing her as a mother to the people of Jianshi and a guiding light for many indigenous children, akin to Taiwan's Teresa.
Originally a nurse from Sardinia, Italy, Zhao responded to a divine calling 65 years ago and traveled across the ocean to Taiwan. She chose to serve in the remote Jianshi area, where medical resources were scarce, dedicating much of her life to this land. Mayor Cheng recalled their last meeting just a month ago, where she reminded him to take care of himself and not to overwork. He expressed his shock at her passing and vowed to carry on her love for the children of Jianshi and Zhubei.
