A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 10:30 p.m. at Mary Help of Christians Academy, St. Joseph Chapel, in North Haledon, N.J., for Salesian Sister Nivia Arias, who died on July 24 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in the Pompton Plains neighborhood of Pequannock, N.J. She was 65.
She was a Salesian Sister for 42 years.
Sister Arias was born in Tampa, Florida, to Cuban immigrants Alberto and Maria Luisa Arias. She graduated from Villa Madonna School there in 1975. In Villa’s 90-year history, she was the only student to become a Salesian Sister.
Sister Arias entered the Salesian Sisters after helping at Camp Auxilium in Newton, N.J., a summer camp run by the religious order. In 1984, she made her first religious profession.
She taught in elementary schools in Paterson and Tampa and taught archery at summer camps in New Jersey and Florida. For many years, Sister Arias was dedicated to retreat ministry at Sacred Heart Center in Newton.
Sister Arias is survived by her brother, Carlos, and a large extended family.
“Please join us in praying for the eternal repose of Sr. She was a loving Sister who naturally lived ‘Laudato Si’ and had a heart for the least,” the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Daughters Mary Help of Christians, posted on social media. “She had so many creative gifts and loved her Salesian vocation, with a special eye toward catechizing the young. Her prayer was often for peace and reconciliation, especially in people’s hearts. We will miss you, Sister Nivia,” they posted.
A wake for Sister Arias will be held on Friday, July 31, at the Salesians’ Provincial House in Haledon, N.J. It will consist of a 4:30 to 6 p.m. wake, 4:30 p.m. rosary, and 5:30 p.m. reading of her biography and evening prayer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 10:30 p.m. at Mary Help of Christians Academy, St. Joseph Chapel, in North Haledon, N.J. Her burial and repast will follow it in the academy’s cafeteria.
