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  • Mother Marie Gemma of the Child JESUS
     – November 14, 1933 to January 20, 2023
    “Where have you hidden, Beloved?
    Why have you wounded my soul?
    I went out to the wilderness calling for you
    But you were gone…
    I have searched among the meadows and the fields
    He has poured out a thousand graces in them
    So my heart might be healed.
    Yet my heart is not healed.”     (‘Spiritual canticle’ rephrased – Michael Talbott)

    Yes, these words of our Father St. John of the Cross come to mind as we reminisce the last moments of our beloved Mother Marie Gemma, when on the 20th of January JESUS her only Love came to take her to Himself, her heart healed and sealed in His own.

    Mother Gemma was born in the Portuguese territory of Moti Daman on November 14, 1933 and was greatly influenced by its culture. Her parents Martinho Jose Luis Rodrigues and Rosaline Rodrigues, natives of Goa had settled there. She was the youngest of 5 siblings - the 4th, an only boy – died in infancy. Born 12 yrs. later, this last girl was deeply loved and cherished as the little darling of her family. She was christened Zelia Ezilda Rosa Rodrigues. Her captivated sisters doted on her vying with each other to lavish their attention and little gifts so the pretty little one was always dolled-up and the joy of all the neighbours. However, despite all the attention given, she was not spoilt. Being God-fearing themselves, her mother especially, instilled in her true Christian virtues. Mother Gemma would love to recount her ‘peccadilloes’ like that morning waiting to go for Mass, she found herself staring at a luscious guava on the dining table; thoughtlessly she scratched a bit and her finger went into her mouth. Then came the realization – no Holy Communion!!! A torrent of inconsolable tears followed. No reproaches from anyone – they allowed the lesson to sink in. Here it was at her mother’s knee that she imbibed the lifelong conviction that she was loved by God. She knew it through experience. No one can be changed by force but she was always led by her mother to go to JESUS with her faults and her sorrow.

    Well-groomed at the school of the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters, in all the skills expected of a young lady and formed by a loving, God-fearing, hard-working Mother, she was ready to make her entrée into society. Young, pretty, intelligent and talented Zelia surely had her own dreams for the future; she yearned to pursue higher studies. But it was just then at the age of 18 that the Divine Lover wooed and allured her into the desert of Carmel, to be His alone. Zelia struggled. She poured out her troubles before her favourite statue of the Immaculate Heart in the convent, praying, resisting, saying it was too much. Finally with Our Lady by her side she said, ‘All right, if that is what You want!’ She never turned back. How happy she was when years later she found this same statue waiting for her at Bishop’s house Baroda. ‘She is mine!’ she told the priest who possessed it. On hearing her story Fr. Oscar told her how it was given to him in Daman at her parish Church and seeing how fond she was of it he gave her that beautiful statue and she stands in the choir of Carmel Ashram to this day!

    Zelia joined the nascent Carmel of Goa during its difficult foundational years. Even as a postulant she gave herself fully. On the occasion of the golden jubilee of her profession the Sub-Prioress at that time wrote: “This lovely little flower, pure and innocent as a spotless lily and sweet scented as a lovely rose-bud, … was to bloom in this enclosed garden where no one, but God who had created her for Himself alone, and His Mother could evaluate her gift of self into Their hands… before Whose eyes she would continue to bloom for all eternity.”

    Dressed in bridal attire, on her Vestition day, her beauty and radiant joy delighted those who beheld her, one of the Mothers (herself very tall) looking on the little diminutive one burst out, “she looks as innocent as a seven-year-old First Communicant.” Yes, this young girl renamed Sr. Marie Gemma of the Child JESUS was making the gift of herself to God, in innocence, purity and love. She was ready to leave all that the world could offer, in order to possess and purchase that Pearl of great price, which is none other than the possession of God Himself for all eternity.”

    God had very special designs on Sr. Gemma. He plucked the little novice from a family dominated by love with middle class poverty as formator and planted her into a new family of young sisters. Here love and union reigned, bound together by true poverty. Sr. Gemma inserted herself fully into her new family allowing herself to be shaped; giving all she had, gifts of mind and heart and the skills fostered in her. Sustained by meagre meals and inner divine energy the generous group of sisters replaced the laborers when finances were low. Sr. Gemma who had never experienced lack at home had to undergo real hardship just like the rest without complaint always knowing and convinced that it was JESUS who was asking this of her. This was the secret of her generosity and joy at all times. Generous, loving, compassionate and forgiving, always with her radiant smile.

    As she grew in intimacy with her JESUS – His gifts to her multiplied and were crowned on the 8th of Sep. 1954 when she made her Solemn Vows and became His forever. Her joy and zest in living the daily ‘dying to self’ and ‘rising into JESUS’ began to be noticed by the others. Young though she was, sisters and friends outside Carmel felt comfortable to relate to her – all who encountered her found in her a wise listener who turned out to be a friend, a sister, a mother, a mentor. She was elected sub-prioress and later prioress and novice-mistress. Her gifts of leadership learnt at the school of JESUS were outstanding and kept growing in depth and length with far reaching consequences. Soon the Carmel became well known and cared for so well that Mother Gemma wondered if the Lord would one day ask her to leave this Carmel she loved so much. He did come and her response to her JESUS was an unconditional ‘yes’ filled with mixed feelings of painful separation on the one hand and the joy of being a missionary on the other. Mother Gemma, nominated as head of the founding group of 8 sisters assembled at Carmel Goa, led the first group of 4 sisters on 26 January Republic Day, 1983, with a short stop over at the Carmel of Andheri, Mumbai. Before entering the state of Gujarat Mother Gemma, crucifix in hand, together with the other 3 sisters, knelt and kissed the floor and sang the Salve Regina.

    The 4 arrived loaded with gifts from Carmel and friends and filled with enthusiasm and the joy of adventure, Mother soon got the four sisters installed in make-shift quarters at the incomplete site of construction. Once again Mother Gemma experienced the hazards and hardships of new beginnings but her infectious joy and smile turned everything into a missionary adventure. We were well received and cared for. On the day of inauguration when the door of the enclosure was finally closed, there were tears outside but within the enclosure there was a deep peace felt in a palpable silence.

    In due course Mother Gemma was unanimously elected the first Prioress of the Carmel of Baroda. In which capacity she continued for 8 terms making it 24 years of the 40 years of our Presence in Gujarat. It was here in the Carmel of Baroda above all that Mother Gemma earned the perennial title of ‘Mother’. Our Holy Mother would have cherished this daughter – a Mother before Prioress. A Mother who expressed the love of ABBA for each of the sisters, therefore a selfless love, caring, compassionate, understanding, wise, prudent and trusting always having a listening ear. Mother’s top priority was to be mother of the sisters – body and soul. As for the administration she appointed capable sisters whom she trusted fully. And the sisters in turn would keep her informed. All these qualities of Mother Gemma overflowed as a true daughter of the Church to the whole world. Persons belonging to other faiths would recognize the Carmel as God’s house and the sisters as (in the words of a disabled child) ‘pray God Sisters.’ Instinctively they found in Mother that ‘Maa’ whose blessings they eagerly sought.

    The Baroda diocese was barely 20 years old with a handful of diocesan priests. The Jesuit Missionaries were fired with zeal as were the later missionaries. Bishop requested Carmel to pray for all his priests and religious and to give a listening ear to their problems. The fathers would come at odd times as they came from far off villages and Mother saw to it that no one was refused. And being a mission land, she felt we ought to be a missionary Carmel so that when the Jesuit Fathers wished to meet the Sisters to ask for their prayers, she rarely refused; mindful of the bishop’s request and finding in it JESUS’ will for us, knowing that if we adjust our time table – these missionary priests would feel blessed and they truly did.
    As she got closer and closer to JESUS she was aware of holding within herself a treasure that had to be given – it was the result of her hidden intimacy with JESUS. Her model for day-to-day living was St. Therese and she was convinced of the effectiveness of the hidden life of constant dying to self and yet on the other hand she could not refuse all those who sought her help spiritual and material. They instinctively felt that in her or through her they would find a solution for their problems.

    Did Mother Gemma then have a special charism from the Holy Spirit? We can safely answer ‘yes’ according to Vatican II –

    a. Her growth in intimacy with JESUS had reached such depths that He alone was her treasure and she felt the urge to share it, knowing that it was meant for others not for herself alone.
    b. People instinctively came to her for direction and help
    c. The ecclesial authority gave its approval.

    Mother Gemma was faced with a dilemma when a Christian Brother persistently kept asking her to guide his retreat. She refused, was reluctant and told him it was not in keeping with our charism as we are ‘pray-ers’. But his persistence won out and with the permission of the Proper Superior, even Father General, Mother reluctantly agreed. Her reluctance sprang from her humility, conscious of her lack of expertise. Pope Francis feels that true contemplatives must share the riches they receive in prayer. Here too she did not know what to do but just trusted JESUS – very soon she found herself guiding retreats for religious brothers, sisters, priests and lay persons.

    Here is the testimony of a lay person a young medical doctor who made his retreat in April 2002
    ‘I can find no words to thank you enough for all that you have done for me during my ‘retreat’ at Carmel. It would be wrong to merely call it a ‘retreat,’ because to me, it was much, much more. It was heaven!! I must admit that I have never experienced anything better in my whole life than what I did at Carmel and I owe it all to you.

    You always insist that you do no more than just ‘help people to pray’. But the truth is that by your gentle ways, your profound knowledge and vast experience in the Lord, you actually show one ‘how to pray’. And not just ‘how to pray’ but also ‘how to live’. You say that you have ‘nothing to offer but JESUS’; but isn’t that all one needs? So, would I be wrong in saying that by just entering into the life of somebody, you are actually changing one life forever? You’ve done that to me Mother. You’ve taught me much more than you know. What I have learnt from you, I couldn’t learn from a thousand books and for this I will be eternally grateful.

    You saw me enter confused and disturbed; you saw me leave enlightened and refreshed. Life was never the same after I embraced my ‘elder brother’ and with Him my dear ‘sister,’ the little flower, by my side, I feel like I can take on the world single handed! All I desire Mother, ‘is to make JESUS known.’

    The last retreat Mother Gemma guided was in the last week of December 2022!

    After many earlier attempts Father Camillo Maccise, Superior General – Discalced Carmelite Friars, felt it was necessary to form at last three Associations in India. Accordingly, he convened an Assembly of Carmels in the S.W. region. After a majority positive response, tentative elections were held at which Mother Gemma was unanimously elected the first Coordinator of the South West Association and continued the office for three terms. It was a leap in the dark for her. In her own words, “I still remember when I was elected how I knelt down and would make no answer. Father General asked me once, asked me a second time and then he asked, ‘Why are you not answering,’ and I said, ‘I don’t know what to do!’ and He replied, ‘You will be told!’ then I said, ‘Yes.’ Really, I felt inadequate. I knew nothing of what an Association meant, something like Our Lady must have felt – what is expected of me I just didn’t seem to know! But that ‘you will be told’ felt reassuring and I knew I would have to depend constantly and so become small which is what I tried to do and JESUS did the rest!”

    It was her experience that just when one feels one can do nothing, is the moment one feels the power of His Blessing. For Mother Gemma there was only one thing that motivated her and that was ‘JESUS.’ As Coordinator of the Association sisters from different Carmels would often call her with different problems. As she wrote in an interview, “The most delightful moments for me were when I or we as an Association could lift someone or some Carmel above the difficulties they were facing, bringing them out of darkness to light as it were. This was most consoling and it was done either by a personal touch, phone calls, letters or offering a different ambience to a sister going through a rough patch. None of this was possible without JESUS. In all things I have learnt to trust Him and feel sure that His words, ‘I am with you!’ are absolutely certain!”

    The Bishop of Musoma, Africa was eager to have a Carmel in his diocese and put forward his proposal to the Order. Invited by the Carmelite Fathers in the General Definitory or the General Council to take up the foundation, she could not refuse. At the General Assembly of the Association, the proposal was accepted and so Mother Gemma went ahead writing to all Carmels in the Association, getting volunteers for this new foundation. At Father General’s suggestion the founding Sisters were to live together as a separate community in the Carmel of Hassan for three months. Mother Gemma’s eye for details, her careful planning and her maternal eye which saw the need of each sister helped in making this venture a success. Above all was her trust in JESUS. She wrote, ‘All through this foundation I learnt, that to carry out His Will we need to become little and let JESUS do what is His Will and not mine and then all goes smoothly even beyond our expectations and even the difficult experiences become like our trophies where we can boast of how JESUS comes to lift you up to His ABBA. I also realized that the vision that He gives is far beyond what the world shows you.’ After having installed the new Carmel in Tanzania she returned happy and in peace.

    On the occasion of the silver jubilee of the Association, she was interviewed. She had this to say: “Our call asks a holy daring from us to live the NADA in its totality because we have experienced the TODO, the transforming power of God’s love. May we therefore live our life to the full – a living relationship with JESUS, the fulfilment of our deepest longing for God alone suffices.”

    When asked what programs would help Carmel today, she replied, “…Personally for me, the program before all programs is to know our Divine Partner in a new and deeper way. We need to nourish that heart to heart with the Lord which shapes and gives sense to the rest of our lives. I can say with intuitive certainty that the personal sanctity of a Carmelite affects the world and this is what we need to aim at.”
    Till the end even though she was the oldest and most experienced she was always obedient to the Prioress in everything, never doing anything without the required permissions. Her poverty was something to be experienced – though she felt a sincere childlike joy when she received gifts and liked what was elegant and beautiful, she never kept any such thing for herself. ‘My first thought when I get something is who shall I give it to?’ At recreations right till the last day Mother was never seen without some work or the other whatever pain she was going through even if we told her, it was ok, she could relax. A couple of years ago when our house was flooded and she was told she immediately rolled up her sleeves and said, ‘Come let us go and do what we can.’ She was 84 then! Hard work and pain never deterred her. She always did what needed to be done and in time.

    As age caught up with her, she had arthritic pains, swelling of her legs etc. and of late severe abdominal pains yet she was still there with the community for all the acts except her frugal meals which were given to her.

    Until the 18th of January 2023 Mother at 89 carried out all her duties, spiritual exercises, attending calls, and counselling so many. She was like a magnet drawing people from all walks of life, from tiny tots, even teenagers who usually shun convents, and elderly who she would lead to JESUS. That day too Mother met her dear ones in the parlour, did some work on the ordered vestments, counselled those who called her on the phone etc. Though her pains kept coming and lessening never fully leaving her, these did not prevent her daily routine. Early morning on the 19th Mother was getting ready for Mass when she experienced heaviness in the chest and severe pain. We were advised to rush her to the hospital. The last the community saw of her was Mother Gemma in the car turning and waving a final good bye before going to the hospital. The cardiologist said it was a massive heart attack that needed an angioplasty which was done at about noon. It was Thursday night and the pains did not subside.

    The next day Friday, these mysterious pains persisted and in the midst of her pains right till the end she was concerned about others. By afternoon her voice became faint but she was fully conscious. When a sister asked her, ‘Mother is JESUS coming to take you – are you ready?’ Immediately Mother nodded – ‘Yes’ and when she asked her, ‘Shall I take you home?’ She shook her head and said, ‘Tomorrow you will say the De Profundis for me.’

    Mother Gemma was in terrible pain that Friday evening and slowly the parameters kept falling, her BP and heart rate kept rising, the kidneys were failing etc. and the doctor on duty told us we could call anyone we wanted. Father began the prayers – Mother Gemma’s eyes were half closed. Father placed JESUS on Mother’s tongue and Mother Anna put a few drops of water. It was January 20, 2023, 7.40 pm. Someone checked the Jerusalem time and it was just about 4 pm. With JESUS, like JESUS she suffered those excruciating pains Thursday, and Friday, her hands strapped to the monitor, oxymeter until the end. She had said once, ‘I want to live my passion till the end!’

    “Beloved it is time to see each other.” She would often repeat these words over the last three months. So, after receiving JESUS, together with Him her Beloved she winged her way home to see Him face to face and to receive that much needed rest in the bosom of our ABBA. She died as she lived peacefully, serenely, totally surrendered like JESUS as she always wanted to be.

    The news came as a shock to everyone – and reactions poured in. Among them there were many who were poor at the time they first met Mother Gemma who revealed how much mother cared for them, and provided for their utter need.

    So many of them have said of her, “Our dear Mother has been part of our lives at all times when we were near and far. It’s heart-breaking to think that she is gone, the only consolation is that she will be watching over each and every one of us now from heaven. We will miss the smile and the laughter but we all treasure the love she had for each one of us.’

    A dear relative wrote thus, “It's with a heavy heart that I write this. We have lost a mother, sister, aunt, mentor and friend. She had been a role model for many...who will look up to her. God called her at a very young age and she was able to reach out to many souls. Her smile and kind words were remarkable and brightened our life. She has passed to afterlife and will now be our Intercessor.”

    We will be eternally grateful to Dr. Prashant Dabhi who rushed to her aid always and Dr. Prakash Bhagade who treated her like his own family and all the hospital staff too. We are also grateful to all our friends who vied with each other to come to our help.

    The funeral Mass the next evening was officiated by two Bishops, the Apostolic Administrator of Baroda Abp. Stanny Fernandes and the Archbishop of Gandhi Nagar – Abp. Thomas Macwan. 21 priests concelebrated some of whom had her as their spiritual director and some had made their retreat under her guidance. Her face was beautiful and had that radiant smile and softness till the end. Tributes followed paid by those who experienced JESUS through her.

    We at Prem Jyot Carmel feel privileged to have shared in the life of Mother Gemma. As we bade her farewell, one of the sisters asked for a double share of her spirit, and each one seemed to ask JESUS for some share in her life, her love, her values for she really lived as much as humanly possible, like JESUS.
    We feel she now truly holds each of us close to JESUS. Thank you, very much dear Mothers, Sisters, and friends for your prayers and support – we could feel it in the peace that pervaded those last moments. Do continue to keep us in your prayers that we may live our life as she did, give our all, trusting that JESUS will do always.

    Thanking you
    Your Sisters at Prem Jyot Carmel
    Sr. Anna
     

  • SR. TERESA MARGARET OF THE INCARNATION : 1940-2022

     “This is not a cross. It is a grace”
    Sr. Margaret said these words to the Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. John Baptist when, after hearing her confession in the infirmary, he tried to comfort her by referring to her sufferings as a cross. He was so struck by these words that he repeated them to us several times in his homilies. He told us that he told the parishioners, he told this group and that. The day she died six priests came to concelebrate Mass in the evening. Fr. John Baptist preached the homily. He began by relating this incident.

    Sr. Teresa Margaret was born on 18th October 1940 in Evaripuram Kerala, to very devout and religious parents. Augustino and Emily Fernandez. They had eight children. Two children died in infancy. Sr. Margaret was the 7th child. She had two Priest Uncles, her father’s brothers, one a Capuchin and the other a Carmelite, Fr. Andrew Fernandez, belonging to Manjumel Province. After secondary school, Sr. Margaret joined a Congregation of the Sacred Heart having its Mother House in Montpellier, France. While she was yet a postulant, there developed some internal problems in the Congregation. The Superiors came from France and after much discussion decided to close down this convent. They sent the postulants home. Sr. Margaret heard that a certain Jesuit was beginning something in Manmad, Maharashtra. So she, together with a companion Teresa went to Manmad to try out that life. This way of life did not satisfy both of them. Meanwhile, Fr. Andrew, the Carmelite Priest Uncle, advised her to try Carmel.

    She joined the Bangalore Carmel on 13th Oct. 1962 at the age of 22 together with her friend Teresa

    Vestition 9th June 1963 .
    (Sr. Margaret is on the left)


    On 1st July 1964, she made her 1st Profession and on 1st July 1967, she made her Solemn Profession. On 14th August she went from Bangalore with the group that founded the Carmel of Kurnool. Life was hard and she worked very hard to help the Community in every way. She answered God’s call again when it was a question of forming a pioneering group for the Carmel in Tanzania. Here too she was a pillar of strength and courage for all the challenges we met. Here in Tanzania she twice filled the office of Prioress and many times that of Councillor. She was very generous and hard-working, was very kind to the poor people and tried to help them in whatever way she could. Whatever help was needed in the Community or by individual Sisters she was always ready to help even if it meant retiring to bed at midnight if it was necessary to cope. She would accept to do a job knowing full well that her day was packed. Then, after a hard day’s work, she would sit up at night and do this extra work. One example is the trousseau for Sr. Teresa’s Vestition.

    In Jan. 2009 Sr. Margaret was feeling very unwell but did not know the cause. She was hospitalized and it was found that her sugar levels were very high. She was treated and brought back but it was from then that she began a gradual downward slope in health. Over the years she developed knee pain and back pain. Despite all these ailments she was very energetic and faithful in all her duties. Her doctor prescribed walking exercises for one hour every day. She faithfully did it. When the pain increased the doctor made it two hours every day one in the morning and one in the evening. This was too much. We couldn’t think of her walking two hours a day, so we bought an exercise machine and she faithfully used it. Walking painfully she would participate in all Community exercises and for work she would sit at a table and check the hosts, separating those that could not be used.

    During the year 2021, it was pitiful to see her walking clutching the verandah grille and taking slow steps forward. But she would not accept to be taken about in a wheelchair though we were all eager to do this for her. Finally, she accepted the wheelchair. At about this time she was shifted to the infirmary because a nurse friend offered to come every day and do physiotherapy. At this time she spent her days between the wheelchair and the bed. When she felt able she would ask the Sister attending to her to take her to the Host Office or sewing machine. She would also, sitting up in bed do needlework like mending, stitching etc. ready to do these services for the Sisters.

    Then came Sept. 28th 2021. She wanted to show a relative on WhatsApp how she could walk. She began, but trembled and before the Sister holding the phone could help her, she crashed to the ground. The femur of the right thigh was fractured. She was operated upon, recovered from the surgery and resumed her life as it was before the fall. But sadly, in May 2022 she began to feel much pain in that thigh. She was taken to the hospital. An X-ray showed a gap in the bone. When the doctor asked her she said she was ready for an operation. She must have had high hopes to go back to her former life. But sadly, she never recovered from this operation.

    The surgery was successful but her bodily functions began gradually to fail to begin with the digestive system. So naturally, she could not eat food as usual and did not want to eat. Liquid porridge and fruit juices were given to her. For about two months before she died, she lost her voice and this must have been very painful for her for most we could not understand what she was saying. She would repeat tirelessly until, we, feeling sorry for her would stop asking her to repeat.

    About the last month, she was on drips. The doctors and nurses from the local hospital would come daily and sit for hours till the bottles were finished for they had difficulty in finding a vein and wanted to see it safely through. Her veins had become thin and her hands and feet were swollen. She had difficulty in breathing too and though oxygen was given her mouth was continually open drawing in a breath. Five days before her death the doctors suggested that it was better to admit her. So at about 7 p.m. on Fri. 16th Sept she was shifted to the DDH hospital. There she was given every care. But she was slowly dying. She lay with her eyes closed but she was conscious for if you called her and spoke to her she would open her eyes but there was no response.

    She spent the night of 20-21st Sept calmly. Blood pressure etc was normal. But on 21st Sept. at 9 a.m. she began gasping for breath. Sr. Lucia who was with her tried to call Mother but we were having a conference, confession etc. so she could not get through. Finally, at 11.30 a.m. we got the news and Mother and Sr. Lisbeth rushed to the hospital. They reached a few minutes before 12 noon. At 12, a few gasps and it was over. The ECG machine flatlined. Her mouth was closed.

    This account would not be complete without telling of the work of God in our Sister. Those of us who have lived with Sr. Margaret know that she did not have the sweetest temper in the world But from the time she was confined to bed and needed everything to be done for her, and that by the young Sisters in their twenties, for we could not lift her, she became so childlike, abandoned into the hands of God whatever sacrifice He asked of her. Sometimes she would cry out when the doctors were trying to put tubes in her or when they were trying to find a vein. At times, the old Sr. Margaret would surface but weakly, like one of the last nights when the doctor and nurse were poking her feet trying to find a vein she burst out, “This woman is terrible” But they were engrossed in their work and her voice was feeble so they did not hear.

    A royal funeral over 3 days, organized by our dear Parish Priest Fr. Paul and the priests around. It was on the 23rd. Sept. at 10 a. m. Our Bishop Simon Masondole was in Ukerewe an island many miles away. But he came the previous evening and went back soon after the funeral. We thank him for this favour. We also thank the priests many of whom also came from Ukerewe and other distant places. There were about 20 priests and a crowd of people both religious and lay. We thank all our Benefactors and Friends. Please pray for the repose of her soul.


    REST IN PEACE SR. TERESA MARGARET !
    TILL WE MEET AGAIN IN THE UTTER FULNESS OF GOD.

    A tribute of love and gratitude from the Prioress and Community of Cloistered Carmel , Bunda , Tanzania.
     

  • IN MEMORIAM – SR MARY RITA OF SACRED HEART

    Sr. Mary Rita of sacred Heart was born on 7.7.1930 of a very devout and fervent family in Bangalore. Her father’s name was Peter George D’Souza and her mother Rose. They were blessed with 17 children and Corrine was the 14th. At the beginning of the foundation of our Carmel in Bangalore, her mother used to come to Carmel to teach English to our Foundresses who had recently come from France in 1932. Mrs. Rose D’Souza also used to collect donations for our Carmel as the community was very poor at the beginning.

    Corrine was very loving and was loved by all at home. It was a very great surprise to them all, when she decided to join the cloistered Carmel. She entered our Carmel on 19.4.1954. She received the Holy Habit on 16.1. 1955, and made her first profession on 31.1.1956.

    Sister was very timid but very faithful in the fulfillment all her duties. She was very talented for music and used to play the key board some times during Mass. She was also very good at embroidery and knitting and helped the community in various different ways. She fulfilled the Offices of the Prioress, councilor and novice mistress several times. She was gentle, kind, loving and patient.

    Her brother Fr. Jerald was a Franciscan Friar. The family often loved to come to our chapel for various functions celebrated in the family. Sister made her golden jubilee in 2006.

    As she grew old and found it difficult to walk, she loved to remain in her cell/room praying and saying many Rosaries. Sometimes we tried to bring her to recreation because we enjoyed her witty and clever remarks. She enjoyed fairly good health for her age of 90 precious years and we are grateful to God for the gift of Sr. Mary Rita to our community.

    On December 17th she suddenly collapsed and we called the priest who came immediately from St Mary’s Basilica and Sister was given the last Sacraments. She was then taken to St. Martha’s hospital and was admitted in the M.I. T. U. She showed some improvement and was brought back to Carmel. Doctors suspected leukemia and due to her advanced age, the community and the family members decided not to go in for further tests. Rev. Mother General and the Sisters from the St. Anne’s Convent, Miller’s Road were very kind and helpful to attend to the needs of sister and also supplied us with medicines and all that was needed for her treatment and to make her comfortable . Sister Rita was responding well and there seemed to be some improvement. But slowly she was not able to eat and she was given drips for some days but gradually her veins collapsed and we were able to feed her with only a few drops of milk. For the last two days she was not able to take in anything at all. On Jan 17th she seemed to be sinking and Sisters from St. Ann’s Convent were called. They came immediately and remained with the community as we all prayed round the sick bed. At 8.50.a.m. Sr. Mary Rita peacefully surrendered her soul to God, Whom she had loved and served for more than 60 years in the garden of Carmel. R.I.P. During her illness our Carmelite Fathers came twice to bless her and to pray for her.

    We are very grateful to the Sisters of St. Ann’s and the Family members for all their help and support during her illness and after her death. We request you to pray for the repose of her soul and we can be sure that she will not forget us from her abode in Heaven, in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.








    A tribute of love from Sisters at CLOISTERED CARMELITE CONVENT.
     

  • SR. MARY MATILDA OF JESUS
    (1931-2020)

     “Precious in the eyes of the Lord, is the death of His Saints.” (Ps. 115:15)

    On the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, 14th June 2020, it pleased the Lord to take to Himself our dear Sr. Mary Matilda of Jesus to her eternal reward. She served Him willingly and selflessly for 67 years in the garden of the Carmel of Mangalore. She was an innocent and generous soul, ready to do the lowly work for the good of the community and the sisters, especially in the kitchen, host office or the campus. May God grant her soul eternal rest. Our dear sister was born of pious and God fearing parents, Mr. A.T. Joseph and Anne Akkattumundakal, at Poovarany in Kerala, on 29th June 1931. It was a large family of 5 girls and 3 boys. She was baptized on 6th July 1931 and given the name Elizabeth. She was lovingly called Elikutty. She had her school studies at Kerala. She perceived the difficulties at home and sacrificed her desire of attending school. She remained at home, helping her mother in the household work and looking after her siblings.

    At her young age, she came to Mangalore to help the Sisters of Apostolic Carmel at St. Agnes Convent, Mangalore. The sisters noticed that she was attracted towards religious life and they would have been happy to have her join them, but God had other designs for her. She revealed her desire to join Carmel to Fr. Boniface OCD who helped her to enter Carmel in 1953.

    As a Carmelite Sr. Matilda gave herself entirely to the service of God and the sisters. She was very much devoted to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and very often she would visit Him and spend time with Him. She was a very prayerful soul and was very punctual for Divine Office and for Community acts. She worked in the kitchen for many years. She had a green thumb for cultivating vegetables. She also worked for the Hosts office. She made use of her spare time to stitch ‘Agnus Dei’ (relics). She carried out her duties as best as she could.

    In her old age, in spite of her many ailments, Sr. Matilda was moving about the house. She had many falls, but was always protected by God, except for minor injuries. We used to call her ‘miracle baby’.

    On April 1st 2020, Sr. Matilda suddenly got very ill with high blood pressure, and was unconscious. The community was called immediately and prayers were offered. As there was ‘lock down’ due to the Corona Virus pandemic, no priests were available; but finally Mother Prioress managed to get Fr. Roshan from St. Antony’s Institute to administer the sacrament of anointing of the sick.

    Later Dr. Edward Nazareth was called, who seeing her condition advised us to shift her to the hospital. Immediately the ambulance was brought and she was taken to Father Muller’s Hospital where she was admitted in the I.C.U., and was under observation for three days. Since nothing could be done in her case, doctors advised us to take her home. As she was fully bed ridden and on oxygen, we employed a trained nurse, who saw to all her needs. Also the sisters were visiting her and taking care of her.

    For two and a half months her condition was the same without any improvement. On the evening of 14th of June, the Community gathered around her as she showed signs of departure to her heavenly Spouse. Our two Carmelite nurse sisters and all the others helped her in the final journey through care and prayers. At 8.20 p.m. she gently breathed her last with just one sigh and took her flight to heaven. The Sisters of Charity at Father Muller’s Hospital were very kind and helpful. The body was kept in the morgue. The family was informed but because of the lock down they could not be present for the funeral. The funeral Mass was celebrated the next day at 11 a.m. with our Bishop Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha as the main celebrant. Our Carmelite and Diocesan Fathers concelebrated with him, and this was followed by burial service. Our Carmelite brothers helped to carry her body to our Carmel cemetery where she was laid to rest. Now we have one more intercessor in heaven, and we are sure she will obtain for us the graces we stand in need of, especially good vocations for our Carmels. We trust in your prayers for the repose of her soul.

    In a special way we are grateful to the Director, Sisters of Charity, doctors, nurses, and the staff of Father Muller Hospital for all the care and attention they lavished on our dear sister. We thank Fr. Roshan, our Carmelite Fathers and brothers for their kind services rendered to us. For sure she will send blessings from above on all.

    May her soul rest in peace.

    Date of Birth: 29-06-1931
    Entered Carmel: 03-10-1953
    Received Habit: 03-10-1954
    First profession: 11-02-1956
    Solemn Profession: 11-02-1959
    Departure for Heaven: 14-06-2020


    Mother Prioress & Community
    Cloistered Carmel, Kankanady, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
     

  • IN MEMORIAM
    Sr Teresa of Jesus OCD

     O God through your merciful help I shall try my best to love you with all the affections of my heart, and in my dealings with my sisters, more humility, openness and love. Lord you know me more than myself so you substitute yourself for me. I rely on you, my God to become a saint. And this is your will for me. (Written by Sr. Teresa on 7.2.1979.)

    Sr. Teresa of Jesus was born on 1st of April 1936, of an Aristocratic Syrian family in Karanchira, Ernakulam in Kerala. Her parents were Paul Alapatt and Anna. They had 11 children of whom only 5 girls and 3 boys survived infancy. Teresa was lovingly called Ruby. Of a very devout religious family, they treated the servants as members of the family. The girls were very fond of each other. Even if they had a small fruit they would divide into 5 pieces and share with each other. All other family members loved her tenderly.

    From an early age Teresa wanted to be a Religious. If anyone asked her what she wanted to become, she would at once say ‘A bride of Christ.’ She studied in St Teresa’s College run by Carmelite Sisters of St Teresa (CSST) in Ernakulam. After her college studies she joined a new Congregation that had just been started. After few years the Congregation was dissolved and Sr. Teresa and Sr. Therese Margaret her companion, who had also joined the new congregation, joined the Carmel of Bengaluru on 27th of November 1962 and received the holy habit on 9th June 1963. She made her Simple Profession on 1st of July 1964 and Solemn Profession on 1st of July 1967.

    Sr. Teresa of Jesus was very fervent. She had a lively faith to see God in her Superiors and in the daily events of life. Even though coming from a very comfortable and well to do family, she lived an austere and poor life. She would choose the least desirable things, food, clothes, and hard work. She was very exemplary as a young Sister in fasting, mortification and silence. She loved everyone equally and was concerned for all the Sisters. She looked after Mother Elizabeth and later Sr. Alice, in their old age and took care of them with great devotion and tenderness. Whenever she was corrected she would never excuse herself and accepted the correction humbly. If she had given pain to any Sister, she would ask pardon before going to sleep. She used to make dresses for poor children and was very good in embroidery. She was hard working and helped the community in different offices. Whatever she did, she would try to do perfectly. She was in charge of the Sacristy and helped in the Vestment Office. She loved gardening and had to fight with rats and squirrels who would destroy the fruits. Once while she was removing the boiled linen for washing, she slipped and fell into the cauldron of very hot soap water and was burnt very badly. She was treated in the hospital and till her death the scars of it were visible.


    In August 1974, Sr. Teresa went to Kurnool to help in the new Foundation there. Her companion Sr. Teresa Margaret also went there. While Sr. Teresa returned to Bengaluru in April 1977, Sr. Teresa Margaret stayed on and eventually went to Bunda in Africa, to make a new Foundation there.

    In 2009 Sr. Teresa was admitted in St. Martha’s Hospital to have fluid removed from her knees. After a few days she was discharged and was getting ready to return to the convent when suddenly she got a stroke, and thanks to a Sister who was standing nearby, she fell on an empty bed that was near her. Being in the hospital she was immediately attended to, and many Doctors and Nurses rushed in and Sister gradually revived. She was kept in intensive care for a long time and against all hope she recovered very well.

    Sister celebrated her Golden Jubilee on 1st of July 2014. Many members of her Family came and joined the celebration. Archbishop Bernard Moras presided over the Eucharist, and was joined by our Carmelite Fathers and many other Priests.

    In 2015 Sister had a fall, while sitting on a bench in the choir, waiting for Mass to begin. She fell back and hit her head. She fainted and there was a blood clot in the brain. As she was unconscious, surgery was risky and doctors hesitated. Thanks be to God, the blood clot was successfully removed in Vikram Hospital. Sr. Teresa was soon back to her normal life and following the community exercises as much as her age and condition allowed her. Gradually we noticed that Sister was losing her memory and would often be confused. We consulted the doctors and medication was given but it did not do her much good.

    Sister needed help for her personal needs and Sr. Assumpta with the help of other Sisters looked after her with much love and care. With the help of Sisters she would walk round the cloister and we would bring her to recreation and choir in the wheel chair or walking when she could. It became a daily routine for her to mention the names of the Sisters one by one during recreation. Sometimes she had to struggle and would be confused. When Sr. Celine our extern Sister came in, Sr. Teresa had a very special bright smile for her and after greeting her would ask her to go and sit down. She was always cheerful and sometimes even witty.

    Sister was keeping fairly well till the beginning of April 2020. By the third week we noticed that she was looking tired and breathing hard. She could not express herself and when asked if she had pain she would say that stomach was paining. Due to the pandemic and lockdown we did not want to take her to hospital. Over the phone when we asked the doctor for some medicine for stomach ache, the doctor said that without examining the patient she could not prescribe any medicine, especially for an elderly person. She insisted that Sister be taken at once to hospital. Thanks to her advice on 27th of April Sr. Teresa was taken by ambulance to St. Martha’s hospital. There they found that her heart was very week and admitted her in the ICU. After two days she was shifted to the ward. On 2nd of May we brought her home. Doctors said that her heart was not functioning fully and due to her age nothing could be done. We could just try to make her comfortable and ease her pain. She had acute DCOMPENSATED heart failure. She was suffering very much but could not express herself.

    We did not have Mass all these days due to the lockdown and only occasionally one of our Carmelite Fathers was able to come. On 8th of May, Fr. Provincial Charles Serrao and Fr. Francis came for Mass. Thus Sister was able to receive the Anointing of the Sick.
    On 11th of May her nephew Balan and his wife Doctor Moya came to see her. Sister was not able to speak but she recognized them and was peaceful. They left happy and satisfied that the best was being done for her. On 12th of May, she was unable to take any food so we called the Sisters from St. Martha’s Hospital. Sr. Superior and Sr. Ancy were very kind to come late in the evening. They inserted Ryle’s tube for feeding and Sister took some nourishment. On 13th morning again Sisters fed her through the tube. Sr. Teresa kept her eyes closed completely and by 10 a.m. had high fever. She began breathing heavily and the community was summoned. We remained praying around her till 10.45 a.m. when Sr. Teresa very gently surrendered her soul to God without any struggle.

    The doctor and two Sisters came from St. Martha’s Hospital to certify the death and do the needful. The body was kept in the Choir. St. Ann’s Sisters and some of our friends and a few family members from Bengaluru came.

    Because of lockdown Mass was not celebrated. Our Fr Provincial and Fr Silvestre came around 4 p.m. and they said the final prayers. They accompanied the mortal remains along with Sr. Celine our extern Sister and a few friends and family members to Kalpally cemetery. Archbishop Peter Machado arrived there at 4.30 p.m. and led the rite of burial.

    Our sincere thanks to our Archbishop Peter Machado, our Carmelite Fathers, family members and friends for their help. Special thanks to the Sisters of St. Martha’s Hospital for their ready and kind help.

    Thus the bride of Christ who throughout her life had tried to please Him and do His Will, went to receive the eternal embrace of her Divine Bridegroom. R.I.P.

    A tribute of love and gratitude from
    Prioress and community of Cloistered Carmel of Bengaluru.
     

  • SR. MARY OF ST JOSEPH, OCD




  • IN MEMORIAM
    SR. ANNA OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW OCD (1930 – 2019)

    Born: 15.03.1930
    Entered Kottayam Carmel: 08.01.1949
    First Profession: 14.07.1951
    Solemn Profession: 14.07.1954
    Came to Mysore Carmel: 09.12.1985
    Death: 10.12.2019

    On the night of 13 December St. John of the Cross ended his earthly life wanting to move over, “ to sing the matins in Heaven”. So also Our dear Sr. Anna left us all on 10 December to sing the mercies and praises of the Lord in heaven and live forever more face to face with Him. Her 89 years long sojourn on earth is over and we feel her absence amidst us, awakening is each of us vivid reminiscences of her wonderful person, simple life style and joyful holiness.

    Sr. Anna Chacko Chamakalayil was born on 15th March 1930 at Athirampuzha in Kerala to Chacko Chamakalayil and Rosa Chamakalayil. She was the 2nd of 7 children born to them. One of her sisters, Sr. Elizabeth, is a consecrated religious among Carmelite Missionaries.

    Sr. Anna joined Kottayam Carmel at the prime age of 18, on 8th Jan, 1949. Though she was from a middle class family, she showed no much interest in academic pursuit, for she had a lot of practical intelligence and was rich in common sense and genuine humor. The sisters at the cloister accepted her with joy. Sr. Anna felt quite at home even in adopting the cloister life style. She was very generous in any work entrusted to her be it in the kitchen or the cow-shed or in the vegetable garden. Those were the days without running water and cooking gas. She shouldered the hard work of drawing water from the well and cook on firewood. In all this daily monotones chores of a numerous cloistered Carmel for each day of 35 long years, her name was diligence, responsibility and love.

    After an uninterrupted life span of her fruitful service and sacrificial life for so long in Kottayam Carmel, she was, so to say, made to be born again at Mysur. She was chosen to be one of the pioneering members for the new foundation in Bogadi, Mysore. She became a blessing to the church in Mysur by her life of prayer and sacrifice’

    Sr. Anna nourished her soul with good reading, meditation books in Malayalam and the lives of saints, especially of our Order. Though she had no much formal education, with an iron will she mastered the English language in order to read well and pray better. She would always prepare for Mass on the previous day by marking the missal and hymnbook used for Mass, so that she could participate attentively, actively and devoutly in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

    She was an embodiment of a joyful cloistered contemplative nun always punctual for community exercises, especially for prayer and chanting the divine office in the name of the church for the world. She never made excuses to be absent from these till she was confined to the bed.

    She collaborated whole-heartedly with the foundress Mother Rosario and then with Mother Imelda and stayed very active to supervise the work of the construction, putting up all the inconveniences of a new foundation in the pipeline. After the edifice was ready for occupation and its inauguration in 1986, Sr. Anna to upon herself also the arduous task of preparing hosts for our neighboring religious communities.

    She did not shrink from manning various responsibilities that required knowledge and expertise such as making alter bread, offering medical aid to the sick as an infirmaries, taking care of the provisory, she was at the reception even though she did not know the local language to interact with vendors and parlour visitors, she was a disciplined soldier as a sacristan to have all things neat and tidy and in perfect order. Obviously, to accept to do all these without the knowledge of big books is indeed a sign of heroic humility, availability, diligence, love and maximum perfection.

    She was a woman with self respect and always loved to dress neatly as a true bride of Christ and kept her cell always clean and tidy, which she said was her paradise. She never wasted time and always kept herself busy, offering a helping hand to the sisters whenever needed. When of late she was unable to perform these offices as old age was catching up with her she did not excuse herself, but she would retire to her cell, preparing rosaries and black veils for sisters..

    Sr. Anna was very lively and jovial during recreation. She proved her wit and wisdom in her sharp insights at the right time. God alone knows what she would have been had she pursued university studies. She proves amply to all that holiness is not in knowing much but loving much.

    As she was loosing her memory since 2013 and when due to sodium depletion she began to hallucinate. The, she would eagerly narrate them to all as if absolute facts, entertaining us and making peels of laud laughter resound the cloister at recreation times.

    For five long years she was not able to do anything by herself and was confined to the bed. None the less there was no complaint in her mouth or impatience on her face. She gratefully smiled always. No doubt the community gave her round the clock attention. We are blessed with trained medical personnel and hence it was easier to take turns. Nevertheless, as time was drifting she requested our presence as she felt more comfortable to rest when she was sure she was not left alone. Due to geriatric vacillation of minerals, she had short bouts of restlessness and confusion. she was given the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, by Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues, OCD our confessor, on 26th Dec, 2013.

    In February 2015, she became very ill and slipped down from the cot. She gradually reduced intake of food, and she had to be fed by others. Dr. Kemparaj examined her and she was treated with proper medical care. Once again the anointing of the sick was administered to her by Fr. Alwyn Aranha, OCD. After that she used to be taken for Mass on wheel chair, but even from the wheel chair she had a fall. From April 22nd, 2015, her tall figure and limbs were becoming stiff making it very difficult for her even to sit or stand. Every movement was painful for her. She was then shifted to the infirmary. From then on, sister became totally bed-ridden. Daily Holy Communion was given to her in the infirmary by Sr. Arokia. Before receiving the Eucharist, Sister used to pray with her in order to receive Our Lord worthily.

    Our infirmarian, Sr. Therese and others, who were allotted with the duty, looked after her from dawn to dusk with much care and love. We kept moving her from the bed to the wheel chair in order to avoid bed sores. During recreations we used to bring her for recreation and have hearty fun and laughter with her. She used to give sweet smiles whenever the sisters visited her, despite all her ailments and sufferings. The sisters used to be very happy to visit her, to pray with her and to listen to her as well as to recreate. Often we could hear her praying, “Lord, may the sacrifice of my life be borne at Your feet on the throne of heaven”. This was her continuous prayer, till she lost consciousness of what was happening around her. During this time every movement was causing her excruciating pain.

    As for her food, she had no special diet, as she had no major illness, except for her old age. She had good appetite and good taste. As she was a good cook, she knew exactly what was missing in the food that was served to her and she would make a joke out of it. At times, she would speak as though she was in her childhood days and we would have lot of fun with her.

    In February 2019, we had the privilege of having Our Father General, Saverio Cannistra and all the General Councillors to visit and pray at her bed side. These were special days of grace for our community, to think of our own death, to see the shortness of our lives and the transitariness of created things.

    From June 2019, she stopped speaking completely and would not answer when we asked her any question. We could feel the pain she was going through, but could not express, as she had lost memory, consciousness and also her vision. On 10th December, 2019 as Father Provincial, Fr. Charles Serrao was providentially present speaking with the sisters we called him inside the enclosure, to administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and pray for her. Thus she was well equipped to meet her God.

    Sr. Anna’s end came gently that very day, at about 11.40 a.m. while the sisters were praying the rosary in the choir. Our Mother and a few sisters were praying by her side. When they noticed Sr. Anna breathing heavily, they gave her a few drops of water, which she swallowed and slowly she stopped breathing at 11.45 a.m. Thus our dear Sister left us forever on 10th December, 2019 to her eternal abode. Soon the community gathered around her to pray. Our Dhyana Sadhana Fathers were called to pray for her. Fathers Joe Tauro and John Sequiera came at once. It was a co-incidence that Fr. John Sequeira too came to Mysore at the right moment of her death. Sr. Anna had intuitively told Fr. John two years earlier that his next visit to our monastery will be for her funeral. What she had said came perfectly true. Our Fathers prayed the prayers for the dead and sang the “Libera me”. Later Fathers Alphonse and Prakash too came and helped us to prepare for the funeral.

    Immediately her family and all those concerned were informed. The body was placed in the mobile mortuary which was made available to us by the CSST sisters. Later, when the body was placed in the choir, our Father Provincial, Carmelite and Capuchin Fathers prayed over her and blessed her body. The sisters took turns whole night to keep vigil and pray for Sr. Anna. After praying the office for the dead, on 11th December, she was placed in the coffin sponsored by the “Little Sisters of the Poor”, at 2.30 P.M. and moved her mortal remains to the chapel, for public view and homage.

    The funeral mass was celebrated at 3.00 p.m. His Lordship, Most Rev. K. A. William, Bishop of Mysore presided over the Requiem Mass, along with Bishop Emeritus, Thomas A. Vazhapilly, our Provincial, Fr. Charles Serrao and many Carmelite and Capuchin Fathers. Nearly twenty-five of her family members and relatives were present. Many of our OCD Brothers from Pushpashrama, Capuchin Brothers, neighbouring priests, religious and many lay people were present for the funeral Mass and burial. Our Bishop preached a short homily and highlighted the sacrificial life of Sr. Anna.

    After the Mass, the procession to our cemetery included only the priests, brothers and Sr. Anna’s family members. Only they were allowed to enter the enclosure and pray at the grave. Rest of the people could glance and pray thrugh the chapel windows. Our Fr. Provincial performed the last rites with prayers and blessing.

    We express our heartfelt gratitude to all who were present and also to our doctors, Sr. Dr. Veena, who confirmed her death, nurse Sally, and all the sister nurses from Dhyana Sadhana, who nursed her whenever needed. We, in a special way thank Mr. Raju, our contractor along with Mr. Thomas and his workers, who helped to build the grave over-night, free of cost. May our good God bless and reward each of them with heavenly blessings.

    Sr. Anna has spent almost 70 years in the garden of Carmel serving God and praying for Church and the needs of the world. May she, who has lived a generous, hidden and fruitful life in Carmel, now intercede for all from heaven until one day we come there to sit at the table of the Lord together with her in the heavenly homeland.

    MAY SHE REST IN PEACE

    Prioress and community
    Carmel, Mysore.
     

  • SR. MARY ANNE OF JESUS OCD

    Birth: 03/04/1936
    Entered Bengaluru Carmel: 16/07/1955
    First Religious Profession: 02/02/1957
    Solemn Profession: 02/02/1960
    Received Black Veil: 20/05/1960
    Death: 17/11/2019
    Buried at Kalpalli Cemetery, Bengaluru

    SR. MARY ANNE OF JESUS was born on 3rd of April 1936 of a very devout and religious, aristocratic Syrian family in Arupukara, Kerala, in the diocese of Changanacherry. Her parents were Chacko Yosef and Mariamma Joseph Thuruthumalil. Anne was the third of 12 children - seven boys and five girls. Two of her aunts joined Cloistered Carmels: Sr. Teresa of Jesus entered Thiruvalla Carmel and Sr. Elizabeth Therese joined Bengaluru Carmel and later went to Kurnool as one of the Foundresses. 2 of her cousins have also joined the Carmel of Thiruvalla. She was looking forward for the ordination of her grand nephew, Deacon Joseph Alanickal on 2nd of January 2020. Instead he assisted at the funeral mass of Sr. Mary Anne.

    Anne was lovingly called Annakutty Chechi, even by her much younger nieces and nephews. At the age of 12 she was paralyzed and was miraculously cured through the intercession of St. Alphonsa. When she received her First Holy Communion she heard an inner voice calling her to Carmel. From that time she wanted to join Carmel and give herself to God. When she was 16, many proposals came for her but she would not even come out of her room to meet the guests. She expressed her desire to join Carmel but her father would not give his consent. After waiting for 3 years she was finally able to join the Carmel of Bengaluru on 16th of July, 1955 at the age of 19. When she left home, her brothers told her that they would wait for some years to see if she would return home and only then send back all the suitors. She received the holy Habit on 23rd of January, 1956 and made her first Profession on 2nd of February, 1957.

    Sr. Anne was very hard working, punctual and generous, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in the community who needed any help. She was even sent to help the Carmel of Mumbai from 1971 to 1974 and again from 1980 to 1983. Sister loved gardening and used to cultivate lovely roses for the Tabernacle. She had her own vegetable garden and would water and take care of the plants almost until a few months before she died. Even dying plants seemed to thrive with her loving and tender care.

    She was once elected Prioress and was first councilor for many years. She was a strong support for the Prioress. She was thorough with the liturgy and the Sisters could always turn to her for correct information about the religious ceremonies and customs. She held different offices in the community: making candles, hosts, vestments and was in charge of the linen room, the sacristy and the Turn. Young as well as senior Sisters could turn to her for guidance at any time. In joys as well as in sorrows she would always say ‘Praise the Lord’. She was always ready to accompany the sick sisters to the hospital and be of any help that was needed.

    About a year ago Sr. Mary Anne was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment. She recovered quite well and was able to lead a normal life, and was even active in the garden and helping to cook Hosts and doing accounts. Suddenly about three months ago she started having pain and was not able to eat much. She was taken to St. Martha’s hospital and the doctors found that the cancer had recurred. Doctors tried to give her chemotherapy as a second surgery was not advisable. But after two cycles she was found to be too weak for further treatment and the doctors found that there was no hope of recovery. When she was in hospital, everyone was edified by her smile and the courage with which she accepted all her sufferings without complaint. As she was very energetic she still hoped to get well and be of help to the community and was very grateful for all that was done to her during her illness.

    Doctors tried to make her as comfortable as possible and kept her on I.V. nutrition as she was unable to take any food orally, except a few drops of water to moisten her lips. At the advice of the doctors she was brought back to the convent as there was nothing they could do to cure her. The neighbouring sisters of St. Anne’s Convent, Millers Road were extremely helpful to the community, and were available any time, even visiting her several times a day. Therefore the community was able to give her all the medical and nursing care she needed. Sr. Mary of the Passion with the help of Sr. Jacintha kept watch at night, as the I.V. bottles had to be monitored and replaced when empty. Until a few days ago she was very peaceful and conscious until the end. In the hospital when her condition seemed critical she was given the anointing of the sick, and after coming back to the convent the Carmelite Fathers, including the Provincial, visited her several times and blessed her.

    Doctors had foreseen that there was high risk of infection due to the many tubes that had been inserted. In spite of the best efforts, Sister began to get high fever due to infection. She was very restless during the last 3 days … and kept repeating “My Jesus, My Jesus”. She was able to receive Holy Communion every day. On the 17th morning she was unable to speak and was breathing hard. The entire community was summoned and they prayed around her bed, till she passed away peacefully at 9.15.a.m. During her illness her family was very supportive and her two nephews living in Bangalore visited her several times in the hospital and gave all the help that they could.

    The funeral Mass was celebrated at 3 p.m. the next day (18th of November, 2019). His Grace, Most Rev. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore presided over the Requiem Mass, along with Archbishop-Emeritus Bernard Moras, the Provincial Fr. Charles Serrao OCD, and many Carmelite Fathers. Deacon Joseph Alanickal, Sr. Anne’s grand nephew, (and Deacon Thomas Puthuparambil, both of whom would be ordained on 2nd of January, 2020.) assisted. Fr. Charles Serrao, preached a short homily and highlighted a few unique characteristics of Sr. Mary Anne, and the Archbishop-Emeritus led the final prayers.

    Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances the body was not taken to the chapel outside. About 60 of her family members had come from Kerala and were able to view the body and pray for her at the choir grille. When brought back from the hospital, Sister had told her nephew that she would not receive visitors, even her own sisters, as it was not the custom to allow visitors inside the enclosure. They were very edified by this and remarked that as she had wanted to be hidden and detached even from her own relations, she had her way. The burial took placed at Kalpalli Cemetery.

    Thus ended a generous, hidden, fruitful life of almost 65 years spent joyfully in the garden of Carmel serving God and praying for the Church and the needs of the whole world. May her soul rest in peace.
     

  • SR. MARY JOSEPHA OF THE DIVINE HEART, OCD

    “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever”
    Our dear Sr. Josepha is now singing the mercies and praises of the Lord in heaven, face to face after 90 years of her sojourn on earth with Him. Sister was born in Alwaye Kerala on Aug.10th 1928 to Aleyamma and Varkey, the God-fearing, faith-filled and devoted Catholic parents.

    Sister joined the Carmel of Mangalore at the age of 24 on 8th Sept.1952. It was a providential venture. According to Fr. George P. c.m.i her nephew, both the Sisters, Sr. Josepha and Sr. Ann Mary, St. Anne of Providence did not want to become religious, because it would deprive them of seeing their parents and visiting home. Whereas the other sister, Father’s Mother wanted to join the convent from her younger years. God’s choice was the opposite way. Annamma came to Fr. Muller’s Hospital to take care of a sick Sister of St. Anne of Providence, where she was working. The Lord reserved her for Himself behind the grilles at her first visit to Mangalore Carmel, as she went to fetch some water there. She was vested after a year of probation and made her first profession on the following year 17thOct.1954, taking the name Sr. Josepha of Divine Heart. On Oct.17th1957 she made her Solemn Profession.

    After 40 years of fruitful, happy contemplative life in Mangalore Carmel, she pioneered to be one of the foundresses of Hassan Carmel in Chickmagalore Diocese. No sooner the foundation took place, with great zeal and enthusiasm, Sr. Josepha , in consultation with the vicaress Sr. Ann Therese, planned to make the barren land fertile. With the assistance of Br. Baptist o.c.d, the layout was marked for planting trees and other cultivations. Soon shot up the saplings of coconuts, mangoes, and plantains; besides a variety of local vegetables . Sister worked very hard with a minimum of 2 or 3 labourers very economically. The whole compound had a fresh green out- look soon, so much so when our Fr. General Camillo Maccise and Defenitor general visited us they were really surprised and commented at the fast and orderly work which transformed the barren land. When Sister was not occupied in the garden, she would retire to her cell, preparing scapulars with a hand machine, making Rosaries or some artistic craft work, all in communion with her Lord and Mother Mary. When arthritis afflicted her she wouldn’t give up but used to say “Mother Mary will help me in my work” and it proved true. Even late at night she would make scapulars, which manifested her love for Mother Mary as well as to support the community.

    Sr. Josepha nourished her soul, with good spiritual reading, the Bible, lives of saints, especially of our order and other books. Although Sister had no much formal education, with an iron will she mastered many languages; to pray better, to read well and to communicate with people. She would prepare well for mass with the help of a Missal and participated, attentively, actively and devoutly in the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Her own words bear witness to it. She would say “whatever I ask during the consecration God will grant me”. After the consecration of the chalice she would pray, “Lord, drop, one drop of Your Blood on each one of us, so that we be pure and cleansed to receive Holy Communion worthily”. Her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament was remarkable. She would gaze with unction and love, to the edification of all of us. She used to pray like JESUS in His priestly Prayer “that they may be one” that our community be always united and we have a loving attitude towards one another. She would pray earnestly for vocations and advise every young girl to join Carmel.

    Sr. Josepha could narrate past events so vividly as though she was the eye-witness and capture the attention of her listeners, leaving them spell-bound. One of our elderly Sisters said “if Sister had the opportunities to study like us what a genius she would have been, she could be the best Prioress”. Sr. Josepha’s missionary zeal and spirit was something like that of St. Therese. One of the s.d.b.fathers who knew her for many years exhorted us thus “one of you should adopt her missionary spirit”.

    Sr. Josepha had her own struggles in relating with the community members and accepting each one as they are, and to be bonded. Here again we quote her nephew “Sr. Josepha was a bit assertive and quick tempered at home, but would soon repent for her temper and come with apologies. Her love and empathy for people was unparalled. She had a great heart for the poor, the workers and for the suffering and would try to help them from whatever quarter she could reach”. These ofcourse were both positive and negative points for her till the end.

    Though Sr. Josepha was praying for death while on her feet, the Lord visited her in His own terms. On 23rd Jan. 2014 she had a fall in her cell. The sister who went with tea for her, could not open her cell and so we had to struggle to do the needful. After a second fall she was taken to the local hospital and was discharged after a week. Since there weren’t signs of improvement she was taken in an ambulance to Holy Cross Hospital Chickmagalore. The doctor who treated her there suggested to move her to Fr. Muller’s Hospital Mangalore , as there was a blood clot in the brain. She was operated and the blood clot was removed but Sister lost her memory to a great extend. After a fortnight she was brought back to Holy Cross Hospital for physiotherapy which lasted 20 days. Back to our community she was handicapped, was confined between her bed and wheel chair. She could no more resume her former active life. Yet she surrendered to God’s will joyfully. The Sisters took great care of her with much love and devotion till the end, during these five long years. One of our lay helpers assisted the sisters incharge till the end with even greater devotion . Our nurse Laxmi, being a Hindu, surprised us with her selfless care and attention for Sr. Josepha inspite of her busy schedule, working in two hospitals daily. Whenever we needed her she would come and do all the needful without any charge, but with great sacrificial love. Sr. Josepha was very happy with her and would call her doctor and would obey her promptly. Sister was very grateful for all the services she received, so also her family and relatives.

    Sr. Josepha always radiated the joy which our beloved pope Francis desires for all consecrated persons. She used to give sweet smiles whenever the Sisters visited her, despite all her ailments, weakness and sufferings. The Sisters would visit her regularly, to pray with her, to listen to her wisdom and wit as well as to recreate . Mostly she enjoyed all that and we too. When we used to ask her how are you Sister, she always answered “I am fine or I am better”; never a word of complain except during her baths. Towards the end every movement was causing her excruciating pain. As for her food, there was no special diet, but the common food of the community. She had good appetite and good taste. She used to prepare tasty dishes till she was able and taught the younger ones to cook well. Whenever some salt, sugar, pungency or sourness was missing in the food we served her, she would make a joke out of it.

    Her wit and wisdom was the subject of our recreations often, even though she was absent. Every visit of each Sister to Sr. Josepha was interesting. She had a nick name or pet name for each of us and used to give admonitions when and wherever necessary, even though she would live in her childhood at other times. The community would pray the rosary with her and she would pray the first decade. Even though she lost her memory she always remembered the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

    On 8th Feb. She fell in a coma and after that we heard no more her precious words; no food, no water, except a few drops of electoral now and then. It lasted 14 days and the Sisters would visit her, keep vigil, pray with her and so on. During those days our Provincial Rev.Fr.Chalres Serrao, Bishop Anthony Samy and Parish Priest came in to pray for her and bless her. These were special days of grace for the community, to think of our own death, to wait patiently, to look for the things of heaven, to see the shortness of our lives, the futility of achievements, the transitariness of created things and much more.

    Several times the sacrament of the anointing of sick was administered during her confinement to the infirmary. So also Holy communion was given daily. On 11th Feb. while in coma, Fr. Joseph Pinto O.C.D. came from Belur to administer the last sacrament and viaticum. Thus she was well equipped to meet her God. Sr. Josepha’s end came gently; on 20th Wednesday night as if of some premonition, our Mother prayed with her till 11p.m and visited her several times. In the morning while the community was at mental prayer the sister in-charge was praying by her side. She noticed Sr. Josepha breathing laboriously and gave her a few drops of water which made her breathe shallow and slowly the breathing stopped at 5.45 a.m. Thus our dear Sister left us forever on 21st Feb. to her eternal abode. Soon the community gathered round her to pray and the Sisters took turn to be with her in prayer till the burial.

    Immediately the family and all those concerned were informed. At 9a.m. the rector of Don Bosco Fr. Dominic came with another priest and prayed over her and blessed the body. Later we placed her in the coffin and moved to the choir. After praying the office for the dead we kept the body in the chapel for public view and homage. Ten of her family members and relatives were present including her own sister Sr. Ann Mary , and her niece Sr. Daisy (St. Anne Providence) who brought Sr. Ann Mary with much love and care although it was a herculean task. Many of our o.c.d. fathers, neighbouring priests, religious and many lay people were present for the funeral mass and burial. Fr. Pius James the vice provincial was the main celebrant delegated by our Provincial Rev.Fr.Chalres Serrao who could not be present. Fr. Joe Tauro, o.c.d. gave an inspiring homily. Fr. Ronald Cardoza our Parish Priest saw to all the necessary arrangements for the funeral. The Parishners -too responded generously to everything we needed, free of charge. The procession to our cemetery included the community, Sr. Josepha’s family and relatives, priests and Sisters.

    Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone present and helped us in big and small ways. We reward you by our prayers and simple life of contemplation.
    Sisters of Carmel Matha Ashram, HASSAN.

     

  • SR. MARY PAUL OF MT. CARMEL 1922 TO 2019
    “ABBA Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
    PAPA, be merciful to me a sinner - the least of all sinners, not to speak of all nuns. A humble and contrite heart you will not spurn. My constant prayer in life had been to Jesus - to draw me closer to Abba Father. My beloved Jesus taught me to love ABBA and to fix my gaze only on him alone.

    Sinful as I am, I am confident he will not abandon me. I am going to Him, our Home, with joy, trusting in his infinite love and mercy alone- as I will stand before Him with absolutely empty handed as I was full of wickedness all my life.

    Sister Mary Paul of Mt. Carmel was born on 31st of Oct.1922, of very devout and religious parents - Peter and Sabina Baa - Mother being a Lutheran convert.

    She was the eldest of 9 children - 5 girls and 4 boys, a little sister and a little brother died in their infancy. She was educated with Belgian Ursulines in her place and in Ranchi. She was full of life and mischievous, unbearable to the class teacher and some older girls. At the age of 10 she heard about the Carmelites of Calcutta. Their life style fascinated the little girl very much, who was incorrigible in class in many ways, and she felt very strongly within to join them, to correct her faults and to do some penance.

    The reading of the life of Little Flower inspired her to follow her vocation. After her schooling she joined the army with some of her classmates. God kept her good and faithful to Himself in the good company of friends. She had joined the army chiefly to see different places in India free without railway fare - only a pass was needed to travel anywhere one wished.

    The War ended in 1945, but it was not easy to jump out of the army – everyone had to wait for the release No. to come out, I asked for my release with another girl – we were the 1st to be released. I came straight from the army to Bangalore to join in July 1946 with Sr. Mary of St. Joseph , we both joined on 16th July ‘46.”
    (Written by Sr. Carmel and found after her death. – On the envelope it was written, (“My undying Life”)

    Sister Mary Paul of Mt. Carmel was born on October 31st 1922 in Jharkhand in a God fearing family. She was the eldest of 9 children. 2 of her younger sisters are also Religious. Sr. Saritha of St .Anne’s convent in Jharkhand and Sr. Maxima of Ursuline Sisters from Jharkhand. They were very close to her and would regularly visit her even though from so far away. After her high school she joined the Military as a Typist during World War 2.

    From her childhood she desired to be a nun. She answered the call of God and joined our Carmel at the age of 24 in 1946. She received her holy habit on April 23rd 1947. It was the beginning of our Carmel and life was hard. She worked very hard to help the community in every way. On October 7th 1948 she made her 1st Profession, and on 16th July 1954 she made her solemn profession. She celebrated her Golden Jubilee on 7th Oct. 1998, and Diamond Jubilee on 7th Oct.2008.

    She fulfilled the office of Prioress and Councilors. She was very generous and hard working, was very kind for the poor people and desired to help them in whatever way possible. She was very humble and simple and many people remember Sr. Carmel as a loving and tender hearted mother. Always forgetful of self she would try to make others happy.

    She used to address God as Papa and had a filial relationship with God. She used to tell us that when we have found God we need nothing more. She used to insist that every day after Communion we should ask Jesus to show us the Father.

    At a very old age she used to play the organ and was eager to teach the younger sisters. She had a bypass surgery and suffered from Heart problem for many years. Once when she was staying with a sick sister to assist her in hospital, she was knocked down on the road while going to buy medicine. Her knee was injured and a rod had to be inserted through surgery. In spite of all these ailments she was very energetic and faithful in all her duties. Even though she was very old she was able to help herself and did not want to give trouble to others. She used to come for Holy Mass and Rosary and would come for recreation with the community with the help of a walker.

    During the last 3 days she was exhausted due to weakness and had difficulty in breathing. Till the last moment she was conscious and accepted the treatment that was offered to relieve her. On 26th January she was restless. So we called the priest and Fr. Francis OCD came and gave her the anointing of the sick. The same night she was suffering much, she said “My end has come” and in a loud voice she said, “My God pardon all my sins.” She said to the Prioress “please tell all my sisters each and every one of them that I forgive them and I also ask them to forgive me.” Very often she was saying to the Prioress “please don’t take me to the hospital.”

    Her last day on earth was very painful. On 29th January morning she was not able to speak. She was struggling to breathe. We tried to help her. She was conscious to the end. The Prioress said to her, “Jesus must come and take you. “She opened her eyes, and looked at the Prioress … and that was her last look. Many sisters were around her praying, and gently she breathed her last at 11.30 a.m. Fr. Jerry OCD came and blessed the body.

    As our Archbishop Peter Machado was not available, Archbishop Bernard Moras came to concelebrate the funeral mass on the 30th at 10 .a.m. together with 8 other priests.

    After Mass some of our Carmelite Fathers, our extern sister Sr. Celine, along with a number of our friends accompanied the body to Kalpally Cemetery where 13 of our sisters are already buried. We thank all our Benefactors and Friends. Please pray for the repose of her soul. May she rest in peace.

    A tribute of love and gratitude from
    Prioress & Community of Cloistered Carmel, Bangalore.
     

  • RIP: Sr Rita of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Chicalim Carmel)
    Sr. Rita Lobo, was born in Mumbai, on 27th January, 1930, of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew & Amy Lobo. She grew up in Pune and at the age of 18 joined the Discalced Carmelite Sisters in Bangalore. A few years later she was sent to aid the newly founded Carmelite Convent in Chicalim, Goa, which she did generously, offering herself in the manual work and in obtaining substantial financial help, through her correspondence abroad. She was also gifted with a musical ear and composed, sang and played classical organ, for the delight of all. She was known for her hearty laughter, which resounded near and far during the recreation periods! Towards the end of her life she was bed-ridden for about two years, slowly losing the power of expressing herself, but retaining a lucid mind, till a few days before her death. She however accepted all her sicknesses calmly, rarely complaining. Even the nurses dealing with her during her hospitalizations, remarked that it was a pleasure to take care of such a sweetly responsive patient. Before the loss of her speech, she would frequently shower her “Thank Yous”, on the Sr. Infirmarian and other sisters who looked after her at home, or on anyone who happened to lend her some service. Toward the end she developed a severe urinary tract infection, bronchial pneumonia and finally septicemia. She passed away peacefully in the morning of 15th May at around 7.00am. May her soul rest in peace.

    BIO-DATA
    SR. RITA OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
    BIRTH; 27-01-1930
    PLACE OF BIRTH; MUMBAI
    ENTERANCE IN CARMEL; 06-08-1948
    FIRST PROFESSION; 25-12-1950
    DEATH; 15-05-2017

  • Sr. Mary Magdalene of the Cross (Pune Carmel) expired on 12th October, 2008

  • Sr. Bridget
    (1927 - 2008)

    O Lord… I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother. (Ps. 131)

    Recalling sweet memories of her childhood, Sr. Bridget spoke of a friend who gave her a love for Our Lady of Dolours. She would humorously recount, “we were in the same class, we passed together and we failed together.”  Angeline Brodget was unconcerned about this failure though her aunts weren’t. But Uncle Ryan, her fovourite uncle took her report and read aloud, “Failed in Maths, failed in Science” and then with a tone of optimism, “but why you passed in needlework and in Catechism. Oh! That’s enough for a girl. Don’t worry darling, go and play.”

    When all the relatives were sad at funerals, her young cousin, later Fr. Jagaraj SDB, showed her how to look mournful by extracting a few tears by looking at the sun. Bridget also knew how to have her own way with her younger cousin, Euphie by commanding her to eat the beetroot from her plate which she utterly detested.

    Born in Singapore, studying with the Irish Presentation Sisters in India, Bridget had a good English acent but was Tamilian from head to toe. She loved singing her favorite Tamil hymns. The youngest and tenth child of the family Brodget had a comfortable childhood though at an early age she lost her father, Mr. Singarayan Vaz, a chartered accountant in Singapore. Ratnamma, her mother reared her four surviving children with a heroic faith taking the monthly pension of her deceased husband to the picture of the Sacred Heart and asking Him to multiply is as He did the loaves and fishes and making it suffice till the end of the month. Still in her teens, Bridget joined the Carmel of Bangalore and then went as pioneer to Coimbatore. In 1985 she went to Mumbai Carmel and in 1989 came to help the infant foundation of Raipur. 

    Contentment and gratitude were her outstanding virtues. In her final years she was often heard saying. “who will be treated as well as I am?” Afflicted with diabetes she gladly accepted the privation of things ashe loved to eat. During conferences she would be satisfied even if she remembered one good sentence. “I heard one good sentence, that’s enough for me.” 

    Bringing her first word to recreation was a custom she kept faithfully and which we admired in her. Soon after Mother Renee’s death in 1996, Sr. Bridget suffered a massive cerebral stoke and doctors predicted that she would be a vegetable. Mother Renee’s love for her was strongly manifested always but especially after the former’s death. The community noticed a great spiritual growth in Sr. Bridget. 

    Collecting things…. That was one of her hobbies. However the moment we asked for anything she was extremely generous to part with them. Her temper would easily rise and yet she would not harbour grudges. Towards the final months of her life she remembered with much love especially those who had caused her pain and there was no remembrance of the past hurts, rather a deep concern for them. 

    When asked for her age she would say, “I was born in 1927, now calculate.” But this loss of consciousness of the day or the month was a painful and long dark night for her. Much of her memory was lost. The constant fear that she might not be able to sleep haunted her very evening. It was pathetic to see her crying with this unrealistic fear. This traumatic time for her was also a training school of love for our community. Every day in order to keep her spirits high at recreation, we used to recite her favorite hymens along with her. Regularly we listened to the same childhood stories which she used to relate. 

    The Rosary and certain vocal prayers came to her assistance when her mind was weak. We used to repeat ejaculatory prayers to her when she was sick. One day a sister asked her, “How are you Sr. Bridget?” she responded, “I place my trust in you.” 

    Six months before her flight to heaven she had a fall and fractured her leg. Our two infirmarians did their best to make her comfortable. Our Mother thoughtfully arranged for our sisters to take turns to sleep with her in the infirmary. Twice or thrice she went into long periods of comma. On the 29th January the end came quickly but peacefully. Her dear ones had visited her earlier but as they were abroad they couldn’t be present. Our archbishop and 25 priests concelebrated at the funeral Mass. Our chapel was packed with Religious and lay people who were happy to witness the firts death of a Carmelite Sister in Raipur. 

    Thank you for all your messages of condolence and prayers. While we thank God for the gift of our dear Sr. Bridget we request you to pray that she have the joy of the Beatific Vision soon

  • MOTHER AGNES MARY OF THE EUCHARIST, OCD
    (1924 – 2007)

     “I will praise you Lord with all my heart, I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done”. (Ps. 9a)

    It was both by her teaching and by her good example that our dearest Mother Agnes of the Eucharist, ‘praised you Lord with all her heart and told of all the wonderful things you had done.’ Faithful to the spirit of the Rule and Constitutions, she remained until the end an undaunted, fervent and dedicated daughter of the Church.

    Angeline D’Mello (her maiden name) born to Mr. & Mrs. Philip and Prudencia D’Mello on 13th May, 1924 was the fifth child in a family of six, two of whom died at a tender age. As our heavenly Father would have willed it, Mother Agnes was also buried on the same day of her birth, (13th May) which is a beautiful day of our Lady. Her only brother, late Rev. Fr. Thomas D’Mello, served the Archdiocese of Bombay.

    She joined the Carmel of Bangalore, on 21st Jan, 1944. A year later she received the Holy Habit and made her first Profession on 1st July, 1946.

    The then Patriarch of Goa Mgr. J. Alvernaz had invited the late Mother Elizabeth of the Trinity to start a foundation in Goa. So in the year 1947, four novices, including Mother Agnes, accompanied Mother Elizabeth of the Trinity from Bangalore to Goa. In stature small and thin, shy and hidden, she always witnessed to the power of God at work in and around her. Her humble demeanor invited one and all to approach her. She stood as a valiant support to the foundress, Mother Elizabeth of the Trinity during the construction of the Monastery of Goa which was carried on amidst great poverty and difficulties.

    Ten years after the Mumbai Carmel was founded they felt the need of personnel and so Mother Agnes was again asked the sacrifice of moving out of the dovecot of Goa to help the Carmel of Mumbai, which she did generously. The Lord be praised for she was also instrumental in founding two more Carmels --Baroda and Raipur.

    We look with gratitude at the courage and zeal with which she steered the barque of Andheri Carmel for several years; surely the waters did not always flow smoothly. It was a remarkable peaceful serenity that always helped her to face the storms that God sent time and again. Deep faith in God’s power and love was her anchor. Her great faith was a source of inspiration and joy. As prioress she was dearly loved by all for so many years. She faced many a crisis with deep faith and surrender to the Beloved who made her a true tower of faith.

    True to her name Agnes Mary, she was meek as a lamb and unassuming like our blessed Mother. Her outstanding characteristics of being merciful, loving, compassionate to one and all within the community and to the outsiders, made her very dear to everyone. In the community as prioress, sub-prioress, novice mistress or councilor, she knew how to be firm and lenient. She had great trust in the goodness of persons; whenever she heard complaints about somebody she would invariably find the good in the person.

    Mother always chose the humblest and hardest work. She never excused herself from work even though she was prioress whether it was the kitchen work, the regular cleanings of the cloisters, the washing etc. and would insist on doing her share even when she was over 70yrs. It was only when her poor health declined, that she surrendered sweetly to the care of her beloved community. She was edifying in her resignation to the holy will of God. For the last two years of her life, she was mostly confined to bed, but even in these sufferings, she was patient, calm and resigned. No complain ever escaped her lips be it about food, clothing, or any other inconvenience. She never missed coming for the daily Eucharistic celebration and attended Morning and Evening prayer in the choir, in her wheel-chair. She would equally eagerly await the sister-in-charge to wheel her to the recreation room. She simply loved to be with the sisters.

    A few days before her last illness, the sisters who were attending on her were privileged to hear her reciting the beautiful Ps. 116 “O praise the Lord all you nations, acclaim Him all you peoples. Strong is His love for us, He is faithful forever”. Also, time and again she would repeat, ‘be reconciled, forgive, love’. We accept this ‘love message’ as her last testament and legacy to us whom she leaves behind.

    During the first week of May, we could sense her strength waning. She had high fever, her blood pressure and diabetes shot up. On Thursday, 10th May, after Holy Communion, Rev. Fr. Aloysius D’Souza, our confessor administered the sacrament of Anointing. She was quite well and answered all the prayers in her feeble voice. Asked whether she would accept to go to the Holy Spirit Hospital, which is next door, she answered “No”. But after pointing out to her that the doctors there could do much more to relieve her of pain much more than we would love to do, she agreed.

    We got her admitted and the treatment began immediately. Our sisters took turns to be with her. Towards evening her condition became serious. Our Mother who was by her side at that moment, recited in her ear, the Memorare and the invocation “Jesus Mary Joseph I give you my heart and my soul,………………… may I breathe forth my last in peace with you, Amen”. By then she went into coma. The doctors did their best to revive her and shifted her from the ward to the I.C.U. The whole night passed without any improvement. The functioning of her heart was very low. On Friday, 11th May, at 9.15 a.m. she breathed her soul into the Arms of her beloved ABBA father.

    By 11.30 a.m. the body was brought to the Carmel and laid in the choir. A peaceful smile radiated on her face. People flocked to pay their last tribute to our beloved Mother. We were obliged to keep the body till Sunday, 13th May, as her nephews from Goa wished to attend the funeral. Hence the body was kept in the Carmel, in the choir, in a coffin shaped freezer (ice-box) with a glass front. Her peaceful and fresh appearance was thus visible to all. Another nephew, his wife and her sister from Africa had previously informed Mother Agnes that they would be in Bombay on 13th May, to wish her for her birthday. They kept their word but it was her funeral that awaited them instead.

    The funeral was conducted by His Lordship, Bishop Ferdinand Fonseca along with 14 priests, Carmelites and others. Our Chapel was packed with religious nuns, family members, friends and benefactors. Her mortal remains were laid to rest in our cemetery.

    We express our deep gratitude to the Superior of the Holy Spirit Hospital, Rev. Sr. Alfonse Mary for the care and concern bestowed on our dear Mother, as well as to the doctors, nurses and specially to the Lobo family who were at our beck and call during those days. We are also grateful to our brothers and sisters of the Carmelite family for their closeness to us and for the prayers and suffrages offered for the soul of Mother Agnes. May Mother Agnes obtain God’s blessings on all of them.

    And may God grant Eternal Rest to her soul.

    Prioress & Community,
    Andheri Carmel, Mumbai.

    BAPTISMAL NAME:
    Angeline D’Mello

    RELIGIOUS NAME:
    Sr. Agnes Mary of the Eucharist

    DATE OF BIRTH:
    19/05/1924

    JOINED BANGALORE CARMEL:
    21/01/1944

    FIRST PROFESSION:
    01/07/1946

    SOLEMN PROFESSION:
    13/05/1952

    TO CHICALIM CARMEL, GOA:
    1947

    TO ANDHERI CARMEL, MUMBAI:
    02/07/1975

    EXPIRED (at Andheri):
    11/05/2007

  • Sister Mary Veronica of the Holy Face, OCD
    (1928 – 2007)

    “As For me I am already being poured out as a libation and the time for my departure has come. I have fought the good fight I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

    Sister Mary Veronica of the Holy Face was born on 28th July 1928 in a devout and well known family in Kerala. Her father Ouseph Kundukulam lost his first wife after the birth of a daughter. He then married Kunjamma and God blessed them with 2 sons and 9 daughters. Veronica was the second last. Her youngest sister Cicily is a religious in the CMC Congregation.

    There is an interesting story about how she received her name at baptism. Her nurse carried her to the Church for Baptism. When the priest asked her for the name to be given to the child, the good lady could not remember it, and looking around pointed to the 6th Station of the Way of the Cross and requested him to give the baby the name of that lady there. So the child was baptized and given the name Veronica.

    Veronica was a pious girl and loved silence and solitude. She entered Carmel on February 2nd 1953. She was given the name Mary Veronica of the Holy Face, in honour of the lady of the 6th Station who wiped the Face of Jesus on His way to Calvary, with a linen cloth, on which He left the imprint of His Holy Face. She made her first religious profession on 17th June 1955.

    Sr. Veronica was a very humble and hardworking sister. She did whatever work was entrusted to her as perfectly as she could. She used to do beautiful net embroidery for Albs and Surplices and tiny heart shaped relics of Agnus Dei with bits of gold cloth. Later she helped in the cowshed and also with the cooking. When Sr. Seraphim left for the foundation of Bombay Carmel, Sr.Veronica took charge of the cows -feeding, milking, and cleaning the stable with the help of other sisters; doing all the hard work in spite of her frail appearance. The veterinary doctors were amazed at her love for the animals and the way she mastered them and spoke to them. Like a tender mother she looked after them, and it was a painful sacrifice for her when all the cows had to be sold.

    In May 2005 Sr. Veronica celebrated the Golden Jubilee of her profession. Her sister Cecily and many of her nieces and nephews came to share her joy and render gratitude to God.

    Sr. Veronica suffered from Osteoporosis and hence walking became difficult and painful. She used a walker to move about and would be taken to Choir and Recreation in a wheel chair. She was always cheerful and resigned and never complained of anything. She tried to help herself as much as she could and was very grateful for what ever the sisters did to help her. She would always say to the sisters –“all things will pass away.” She was very fervent in her prayers and the recitation of the Divine Office, which she would always carefully prepare beforehand. She loved reading and always held her rosary in her hands.

    Sr. Veronica’s end came suddenly. She had an attack of influenza and her lungs were congested. She was under medication and though she felt a little weak there was nothing serious about her condition. On the 4th of March she was her usual self and moved about in her cell with the help of her walker. At noon after lunch the expression on her face suddenly changed and she was staring. Sisters helped her to go on her bed and the Priest was called, who came immediately and gave her the anointing of the sick. Sister soon recovered and for the rest of the day was talking and even joking with the sisters who visited her. At 6.30 p.m. her head suddenly dropped down and her face changed again, her eyes staring at a distance. The community was called and as we prayed around her bed, Sr. Veronica passed away peacefully, without any struggle. It was 7 p.m. on 4th March 2007. It was a beautiful death and there was a calm, serene and sweet smile on her face. The next day at 4 p.m. the Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Bernard Moras along with several priests celebrated the funeral Mass. Her sister and many of her relatives came to bid farewell to their dear departed one. Some of our Carmelite Fathers, her family members and many of our friends accompanied the body to the cemetery in Kalpally. R.I.P. May dear Sr. Veronica pray for us and help us from her heavenly Home. Kindly remember her in your prayers.

    Prioress & Community
    Cloistered Carmel , Bangalore.

    BAPTISMAL NAME:
    Veronica Kundukulam

    RELIGIOUS NAME:
    Sr. Mary Veronica of the Holy Face

    FATHER:
    Ouseph Kundukulam

    MOTHER:
    Kunjamma

    DATE OF BIRTH:
    28/07/1928

    STATE:
    Karnataka, India

    JOINED BANGALORE CARMEL:
    02/02/1953

    FIRST RELIGIOUS PROFESSION:
    17/06/1955

    SOLEMN PROFESSION:
    24/06/1960

    EXPIRED:
    04/03/2007

  • Rev. Sr. Philomena of the Holy Spirit (1926 - 2005) - Chicalim Carmel, Goa.

    It was on the 16th May, 2005 that the Lord chose to pluck a flower from the enclosed garden of the Chicalim Carmel, Goa. This time it was Sr. Philomena of the Holy Spirit. With God there is no such thing as chance; everything
    being planned with infinite wisdom from all eternity.

    Sr. Philomena received the habit of our holy order on the feast of Pentecost and this year on that same feast little was it suspected that she would wing her flight to eternity. Which being the 16th of May was the feast of St. Simon Stock or rather the feast of the Holy Scapular to which she had always been so attached.

    This dear sister was a simple little soul, little in her own sight, but since littleness attracts even to infatuating God Himself , as He Himself has revealed who can know how much she was valued by Him. She had always been and remained a humble silent soul who never retaliated under provocation, never spoke ill of anyone as all who knew her can testify. Doing her work devotedly, she passed unnoticed and hidden in the midst of the community till tragedy struck.

    Having joined the Chicalim carmel in 1949, she lived her life here almost since the beginning of the foundation which was started in 1947 by Rev. Mother Elizabeth. Almost penniless and without funds everything had to start from scratch and it was in this condition that she started her life in carmel. Being illiterate she was naturally relegated to the role of a lay sister and invariably it fell to her to serve the community in the kitchen. We could witness her hard work and silent labour day in and day out, without any replacement for years in a primitive dark kitchen. Daily we would see the sister at 1pm without having any siesta trudging to the well to draw water and carry it to the kitchen. Her life was hard but never a complaint ever escaped her lips. This dear sister who worked hard during the whole day was there again with community for other labours.

    After almost 25 years of this hard labor tragedy struck when she had to undergo an operation which was succeeded by a stroke which left her mentally and physically incapacitated and which worsened with age leaving her totally dependant on her devoted nurse Sr. Josephine, whom she would call for at any time of day or night. Now began her years of pain and suffering as arthritis added its painful effects of crippling her limbs yet there she was in the kitchen day after day helping in the cleaning and cutting of vegetables almost to her last day. She was always submissive and obedient till her dying breath and always charitable. She refused no service that was asked of her considering herself the least and the last of all. Her constant ejaculatory prayer was 'Jesus, Mary I love you ,save souls." When in-charge of the poultry she would sing in a tuneful voice as she approached "Ave Maria, Ave Maria .."and it was strange to remark the sudden pin drop silence that ensued from the hens in response to her voice. Such was the simple life of Sr. Philomena.

    The day following Pentecost this year (2005) feeling the end was near, as the 105 degree of temperature would not abate and the doctors who were called in gave up hope, she was anointed with the community surrounding her singing the Salve Regina and reciting the chaplet of Mercy at the end of which she was helped to renew her vows.

    Suddenly and silently the end came that very night towards 11pm. It was 16th May 2005. She was 81 years of age.

    BORN: 06.12. 1926.
    FIRST PROFESSION: 21.11.1952
    DIED: 16.05. 2005.

  • Sr. Rosemira of the Holy Spirit (1937 – 2003) – Hassan Carmel, Karnataka.

    Sr. Rosemira of the Holy Spirit was born in Goa into a pious and God fearing family. God played the 1st note when she was only a child – which caused here deep pain – that was when her father went to his Eternal Home. Her young mother brought up her two little daughters – Rosy and Alzira as best as she could. Their maternal uncles and aunts were very sympathetic and were of immense help and support to them all along.

    The power of God began to work in little Rosy and she realized that she had to give herself to God – a radical way of following Christ. God played the 2nd note which caused pain and pleasure – pain to leave here dear mother and only sister, pleasure that she will belong entirely to Jesus.

    Led by the Spirit, she knocked at the door of the Apostolic Carmel. God played the 3rd note – the Apostolic Carmel sisters received her with joy. God stood by her in the ups and downs of her formation years. She was an exemplary sister, loved and appreciated by all. They entrusted to her the novices and she proved to be a very good formator.

    God played the 4th note, a call to the Cloistered Carmel. After much struggle and waiting, she was given permission to join Carmel. She chose Chicalim Carmel, Goa. She endeared herself being always ready with a smile to do God’s will at all times. Later on, she was chosen for the new foundation in Baroda, Gujarat.

    God played the 5th note, when she was requested to leave Baroda in order to help the newly founded Carmel at Hassan. There she held office of Prioress for 6 years.

    God played the 6th note. Being a talented person and filled with zeal and love for God and souls, she had great plans for the future as the leader of the African missionary group of sisters – but God had other plans for her. In deep faith she accepted God’s will and surrendered herself to Him.

    Sr. Rosemira was endowed with a pleasing personality and there was a sort of magnetism that attracted everyone who came in contact with her – be it children, youngsters or elderly people either in person or through correspondence. It was a special gift God had given her by which she was able to help many a soul – spiritually and materially. She was very much loved and appreciated in the community and also by her many friends and acquaintances – Priests, Religious, Lay people and she was well aware of it. Very often she would say that she was a spoilt child of God. The secret of her success was her deep union with God in prayer. She was austere and strict with herself and much given to external penance and mortifications, which had to be given up gradually towards the end of her life. Being a person of strong will, she had to struggle hard when contradicted or not accepted by her sisters at times. Her spirit of mortification was such that she would flatly refuse any extra special food given to her in order to strengthen her. Many a time the infirmarian had to chide her, saying that it was a greater mortification and more pleasing to God to accept what was given with so much love.

    Having spent so many years in the field of formation in the A.C., she had a special attraction for the young and they for her. Even today after so many years, her former novices remember her with love and gratitude. Though she was called to Carmel – to a life of deep intimacy with God - a call she answered bravely - she remained very much an A.C. at heart till the end. As novice mistress she did her best to teach and inculcate in those in her charge the spirit of faith, prayer and a total adherence to Jesus Christ. She also wanted her novices to be mature, responsible persons who could be relied upon in the future. As a formator, she had a tremendous task. It was admirable the way she dealt with the novices and with the young sisters in particular those who were very poor in English. Sr. Rosemira had a listening ear. She was simple, strict with herself and with others too. She gave importance to every aspect of religious life and also to on-going formation.

    Sr. Rosemira was a soul of prayer. She had a deep love for and knowledge of the scriptures and was a good teacher. She always had a smile for everyone. Actually she was a born teacher and even when she was very sick, she would play the role of a teacher, for it had become second nature to her. She would take the trouble to impart values to the community. It was always a pleasant experience to share with her personal aspirations and problems. She was patient and tolerant and also very human in her approach. All appreciated her positive outlook. One day one novice asked her, “when I get angry, what must I do?”. To this she gave her the example of JESUS- “when you find yourself getting angry, remember the crucifixion of Jesus and recall to mind how Jesus acted. From then on, whenever she gets angry, she remembers this lesson. Her silent suffering was a lesson for all to accept it as a gift from God, whatever happens in our life.

    She took keen interest in all who came in contact with her, they too in return kept in contact with her sharing their sorrows and joys.

    Sr. Rosemira was very systematic and a very good organizer – planning well in advance, putting up a notice in time, consulting the community before undertaking any major task. Her mind was always busy planning; be it for shared prayer, Holy hour, Divine Office or birthday celebrations. She was fond of playing practical jokes on the sisters. She had a knack for giving surprises to the sisters. On certain special occasions, she would make the community go round and round the cloister searching for food and lo, to the great delight they would find a sumptuous breakfast or lunch laid out in some unexpected place – an empty cell or in one of the rooms or passages leading to the guest quarters. To break the monotony of life in Carmel she would on certain feast days encourage and enthuse the youngsters by bringing up plays and programmes which everyone in the community would enjoy.

    She was ever ready to lend a helping hand to any sister in need when it came to domestic work, be it sweeping cleaning, washing or cooking. She was a real mother who looked after the needs of the sisters –spiritual as well as material. She practiced what she preached – hence she was able to get the love and willing co-operation of her sisters. She was full of concern for each and every sister in the community sensing their needs and difficulties. It was admirable the way she organized the Golden Jubilee of one of the sisters – her last tribute to the community. Sick as she was, she saw to every detail so that everything went off beautifully to everyone’s joy and satisfaction.

    “Try to see the hand of God in everything”, Sr. Rosemira would often tell the community. Being a person of deep faith , she was able to perceive the hand of God in every person and event. In everything she stressed more on ‘inner growth’. She made each one aware of what they are. The grace of God and her guidance made it possible for them to overcome their daily struggles and grow in Jesus. “Die to self” and ‘Try to do the will of God” and “count your blessings one by one”. She was able to tell us all these because she lived it. Even in her moments of severe pain and suffering she could say, “I count the blessings of God; I lack nothing. How much God loves me.” On the feast day of Our Lady she was asked, “What shall we tell her about you?” She answered, “Tell, Mother, the one she loves is sick”. This shows her love-relationship with our Blessed Mother. “Do with me as you please, Father, I am your child”. Often she would repeat these words of self-surrender specially in her moments of helplessness. Unless the grain of wheat of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it will not bear much fruit.

    “Make me a child”.

    “Do with me as you please”.

    These sentiments were often heard in her prayer. She allowed herself to be moulded by the Lord the way He wanted. During her illness, it was evident that He was answering her sincere prayers. Childlike resignation to God’s will, contentment and an attitude of gratitude – these were proofs of her inner soul that was in deep union with her God. Till the end, she remained like the clay in the hand of the “potter”. However severe her pain and suffering, there was never a word of complaint. When asked, “why mother should God give you so much suffering?” she would answer, “Don’t speak like that. God gives always the best not the better.” Watching her suffer so much, the sisters could not help shedding tears. Then, she would say, “If you cry now, you will not have nay tears to shed when I die.” Those who have witnessed her suffering, found in her a great example of strength and courage to bear their own little suffering.

    Her sickness:
    Her ailment was diagnosed as cancer of the oesophogus and she underwent a major operation to remove the entire food pipe. She kept well for a year, till she was taken for a check up and the MRI test revealed that the disease had spread to the spleen and had reached the 4th stage. She was given just 4 months of life. You can imagine her feelings and those of the community, but even at this moment, she remained so calm and serene which was nothing but God’s grace and fruit of prayer.

    Sensing that her end was near, she was brought home and her birthday was celebrated in anticipation with her only sister and some family members. When she could no longer go to the Chapel, Holy communion was taken to her cell which she received with great devotion.

    An unusual abscess developed in her abdomen which caused her intense pain, and finally burst, after which she was rushed back to hospital. The cancer had now spread to her left lung and it was admirable to see how she bore the pain. After 20 days she was brought home, but the wound never healed and had to be cleaned and dressed several times a day. She was then confined to bed completely. She was taken the last time to hospital due to breathing difficulty, but since nothing more could be done, she was soon brought home, so that she would be more comfortable in her familiar surroundings. Two days before her death she went into a state of semi-coma. Phone calls, letters and get-well cards kept poring in, enquiring about her health and assuring her of their prayers. These prayers certainly obtained for her the power of endurance from the Lord.

    She died on 22nd March, just after she was prepared for the doctor’s visit. He could only confirm her departure to the Heavenly Abode, when he arrived.

    Funeral and burial:
    The funeral was held the same day at 5.30 p.m. It was surprising that at such a short notice so many people were able to come and pay their last respects to her – Priests, Religious and laity from near and far. This shows how much she was loved and revered. The presence of the AC sisters was a proof that she was still apart of them. The Carmelite fathers and Salesians who are their devoted chaplains, were of great assistance.

    The Vicar General of Chickmagalur officiated at the Requiem Mass concelebrated by 22 other priests. Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas, OCD preached the homily, Fr. Walter Lobo, OCD gave the funeral oration and Rev. Fr. Pascal Mariappa the parish priest conducted the last rites.

    “In the evening of life we shall be judged on love”. Sr. Rosemira believed in this love and so it was her joy to enter into life in love and continue playing those notes praising the Lord forever more.

    BORN:
    03/10/1937

    JOINED THE APOSTOLIC CARMEL    :
    1958

    JOINED CHICALIM CARMEL, GOA:
    02/06/1977

    SOLEMN PROFESSION:
    15/08/1981

    BARODA FOUNDATION:
    1983

    WENT TO HASSAN CARMEL:
    07/03/1996

    DIED:
    22/03/2003

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