Obituaries

Born :06.09.1931
Entered Bethany :05.06.1949
Temporary Profession :05.05.1951
Perpetual Profession :07.05.1957
Slept in the Lord :25.02.2023

Sr M Joanina BS nee Martina Maria Pinto (92) of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore, passed away on February 25, 2023 at 9.45pm. She is the member of Santa Cruz Convent, Kulshekar. She is the daughter of the Late Rosario Pinto and the Late Mercine Fernades belonging to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Shirtadyof Mangalore Diocese. She has three brothers and three sisters. She is the paternal aunt of Sr Severine Pinto BS and Sr Arun Savio BS. Her funeral rites will be on Sunday, February 26 that 4.30 pm at Holy Cross Church, Cordel, Kulshekar.

Sr Joanina had great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and Blessed Mother. She spent long hours before the Blessed Sacrament and was a powerful intercessor. She was prompt to rise early and spend the day in the presence of the Lord drawing Divine energy from Him. The celebration of the Eucharist was her breath. She would intercede for the needs of the world and the suffering humanity, community, Congregation and people who requested her prayers.She had special love towards all those who came in touch with her and she expressed her love by writing letters especially on their birthdays.

As an efficient and committed teacher she has rendered her services in schools at Kulshekar, Rosa Mystica, Bethany Mother House, Balkunje, Bajpe, Kinnigoli, Puttur,Sampaje, Badyar and Kadaba.She has enlightened thousands of students through her life example, compassion and commitment. She possessed the qualities of love, cheerfulness, concern, sensitivity and generosity towards the sisters, the poor and the needy. She has won the hearts of many children and people through her affectionate nature. She was committed and loyal to the Congregation and had great respect to the authority and priests. Many people from various places where she served used to visit her and were happy by her cheerful countenance, assurance of prayers and grateful heart. Her presence was a source of inspiration and joy to all who came to meet her.

On 24th Nov 2022, she had a mild stroke and was hospitalized.After few days she expressed her desire to come back to the community, after which she was confined to bed. Great care was taken by the sisters of the community. During her illness Superior General and her Councillors, Provincial Superior &her Councillors, OCD Fathers, Parish Priest, and Asst Priests visited her and supported her spiritually.

On Saturday 25th February 2023 around9.00pm she showed symptoms of uneasiness. Seeing her condition sisters from the community and Provincialate community rushed at her bedside and gave her the spiritual assistance. She suffered cardiac arrest and at 9.45pm flew away to meet her eternal bridegroom in the presence of the sisters,accompanied by prayers who commended her soul to God. Her mortal remains are placed in the Convent Chapel.

The funeral will be held at Holy Cross Church, Kulshekaron Sunday 26th February 2023 at 4.30pm.

I extend my sincere condolences to Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the Provincial Superior and all the sisters of Mangalore Province; Sr Ida Janet, the local Superior and the members of Santa Cruz convent,Kulshekar.

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