Sister M. Olívia Halúšková
“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;
And from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing.
Whom I myself shall see; my own eyes, not other's, shall behold him.”
(Job 19:25 – 27)
I the spirit of Christian hope, we announce that
Sr. M. Olívia – Helena Halúšková
Hang up her life to her Creator on September 10, 2024
at the age of 93 and in the 75th year of her Profession.
Sister Olívia was born on November 8, 1931, in Hruštín, region Orava, Slovakia.
She and her 7 siblings received good Christian formation from her parents,
John and Maria. From her childhood, she helped in the fields and at home.
She attended the elementary, middle and high schools.
At the age of 16 received Confirmation from Bishop John Vojtašák.
This time she felt that she was called to the Consecrated Life. Shortly after,
she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer.
On September 12, 1948, she came to the Convent in Spišská Nová Ves.
A year later, she was invested and received her religious name Sr. Mária Olívia.
The celebration was presided by Bishop John Vojtašák.
Right after investment, she was sent to the State Hospital in Rožňava for one year.
In 1950, she made her First Profession in Spišská Nová Ves.
From August 29, 1950, began forced internment for Consecrated Women.
Sr. Olívia was among the first Sisters who were concentrated
in the Provincial House in Spišská Nová Ves.
In the summer season, they worked in the fields of state in Markušovce
and in the winter season, they sewed work clothes for Prešov Clothing Factory.
In October 1951, younger Sisters were taken to the factories in Benešov nad Ploučnici,
where they worked in Cotton Factory “Benar”.
Sr. Olívia worked at the machines at the spinning mill.
From 1954, Sr. Olívia worked in the “Institute for Mentally and Physically Ill”
in Spišský Štvrtok.
Beside her work she studied nursing
and devoted herself to the sick until her retirement.
She did it a great joy. She loved the sick and they were happy in her presence.
She was cheerful and balanced. She always showed her sense of humor.
She entrusted everything to the One who only could help with the words,
“Lord, You are my everything.”
She worked in Spišský Štvrtok for 37 years.
She also was the Superior of the community for a certain time.
After her retirement, she helped at the Rectory in Staré Hory
as a housekeeper for 6 years.
From 1997, her home became Vrícko for 27 years,
until the Lord called her to Himself.
We are grateful to Sr. Olívia for her example of humanity and faithfulness.
May God reward her every effort and grant her eternal joy.
May she rest in peace.