Obituaries

Sr M Gladys BS

Born : 23.02.1943
Entered Bethany : 29.05.1960
First Profession : 05.05.1962
Perpetual Profession : 03.05.1968
Slept in the Lord : 20.08.2020

Sr Gladys BS (78) of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore, passed away on Thursday 20th August 2020. She is a member of St Joseph Convent, Shubadha. Suralpadi and is the cousin sister of Sr. Milburge, Sr Monthie and myself and the aunt of Sr Preethi Prathima and Sr Joyce. Sr Gladys hails from Bondanthila, Fermai Parish of Mangalore Diocese and is the daughter of Late Mr Santhan Fernandes and Late Mrs Anna Maria Lobo. She has four brothers and two sisters. She was a powerful instrument to attract many vocations from our family to priestly and religious life and very specially to Bethany.

Sr Gladys was noted for her prayerfulness, cheerfulness, love for the sisters of the community, faithfulness to duty, love for the poor and generosity in service. In the apostolic field of education, she has rendered commendable services as an efficient teacher and committed headmistress in various institutions of Mangalore and Western Provinces of the Congregation. After her retirement she was involved in healing ministry. She learnt alternative systems of medicine and took interest in cultivating herbal garden and preparing ointment for massage. This special skill of hers coupled with her compassionate love and prayer brought healing to many people.
In spite of various illnesses that she suffered from, she remained serene. On 10th August when she complained of some uneasiness Sr Leena Pereira, the superior admitted her to Concetta Hospital, Kinnigoli. Since there was no improvement, as per the suggestion of Sr Dr Jeevitha, she was shifted to Fr Muller’s Hospital, Kankanady. She was tested corona positive and was shifted to the ICU. She was put on the ventilator for a few days. Due to many complications in her health, her condition deteriorated day by day. Today, (20th August) at 11.30am the Lord called her to His eternal abode.

As I thank you for your prayers and condolences offered to me and the members of my family, I too extend my sincere condolences to Sr Cicilia, the Provincial Superior and all the sisters of Mangalore Province for what they had been to her. A special word of thanks to Sr. Leena Pereira and the community for supporting Sr Gladys in all the ways possible during her fatal sickness. The funeral rites of Sr Gladys will be held at Rosa Mystica cemetery, Kinnikambla on Friday 21st August 2020 at 10.00 am.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

- Sr M Rose Celine BS
Superior General