Born : 14.05.1944
Entered Bethany : 29.10.1961
Temporary Profession : 05.05.1963
Perpetual Profession : 05.05.1969
Slept in the Lord : 29.10.2023
Sister Helen Mary BS, aged 79, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore, peacefully departed this earthly life on 29th October 2023 at 9.45pm at Concetta Hospital, Kinnigoli. She was a member of St Raymond’s Convent, Vamanjoor. She was born to Late John Dsouza and Late Joanna Dcunha and the sister of Late Sr Ruth Mary BS. She hails from the parish of Our Lady of Loretto Church, Bantwal in the Diocese of Mangalore. She has three brothers and two sisters.
Sr Helen Mary's education commenced with her lower Primary Schooling at Loretto, followed by higher Primary education at Rosa Mystica. She pursued her High School studies at Sacred Heart, Kulshekar, and completed her TTC at Rosa Mystica Teachers Training Institute, Kinnikambla. Her profound commitment to her calling led her to join Bethany on 29th October 1961, culminating in her Temporary Profession on 5th May 1963.
Sr Helen Mary exemplified a spirit-filled personality, drawing strength from her unwavering faith in the Eucharistic Lord. She embodied qualities of love, cheerfulness, concern, sensitivity and a generous spirit which she extended to her sisters, the less fortunate and the needy. Her life was characterized by neatness, discipline and meticulous planning, utilizing her time purposefully.Punctuality was one of her shining virtues through which she set an example for the sisters of her community. She actively participated in the pastoral activities within the parish and showed dedication towards religious duties as well. She endured her sufferings silently and maintained a serene countenance and grateful heart even amidst pain and suffering. She showed untiring commitment and loyalty to the Congregation, coupled with respect for authority and the clergy.
Sr Helen Mary's dedicated life encompassed various roles, including Superior, Headmistress and Correspondent in different communities and schools within Mangalore Province. As a religious, she served for six decades in 12 Convents;Mary Queen Karkal, Sacred Heart Neerude, Maryvale Kinnigoli, St Antony Padukone, Bethany Mother House Bendoor, Lisieux Puttur, Pompei Kowdur, Visitation Kadaba, Lourdes Kanajar, Providence Balkunje, Regina Caeli Ranipura and St Raymond’s Convent Vamanjoor which is a testimony of her dedicated life. As a true educator she has touched and enriched many lives especially the poor. Her life marked by simplicity and devotion, remains as a legacy for the generations.
Despite her intense battle with dementia and months of excruciating pain, she continued to serve the Congregation with a joyful heart. On 13 September she was shifted to Concetta Hospital Kinnigoli for better medical care. On 29th October, at 9.45pm, she peacefully yielded her soul to God, at Concetta Hospital, Kinnigoli as sisters were praying around her bedside.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior, the sisters of Mangalore Province,Sr Vithalis, the Superior, and the sisters of St Raymond’s Convent, Vamanjoor, for their tender care, especially during her trying illness. As we bid farewell to Sr Helen Mary, let us find solace in the comforting words of St Paul to Timothy: “You were poured out like a libation. You have fought the good fight; you have finished the race; you have kept the faith, and a merited crown awaits you!” (2 Tim 4:6). May she receive the awaited crown and eternal peace in the bosom of the Father.
Funeral rites will be held on Tuesday 31 October 2023 at 10.30am at St Raymond’s Convent, Vamanjoor.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace!
Sr Rose Celine BS
Superior General
Comments powered by CComment