Sr M Priya BS of our Lady

Born                                       : 23.10.1953

Entered Bethany                   : 20.06.1971

Temporary Profession          : 10.05.1974

Perpetual Profession            : 08.05.1981

Slept in the Lord                   : 05.08.2021

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Rom 8:38-39.

This was the deep conviction of Sr Priya and it became true in her life on 5th August 2021 as she peacefully committed her soul in to the hands of her creator, at the early hours of the day at 4.30am at the 68thyear of her life and 47th year of her religious life. A beautiful flower of Bethany was plucked by the Lord to spread the fragrance of His love in His Heavenly Kingdom.

Sr Priya nee Lilly Mendonca (68) was born on October 23rd, 1953 to the late Xavier Mendonca and the late Rosaline Mendonca belonging to Little Flower Parish, Niddodi of Mangalore Diocese, Karnataka. She was the third among the eleven children. She has a priest brother Rev Fr John Mendonca of Allahabad diocese presently serving in USA.

Sr Priya completed her Primary and High School education at Little Flower High School Kinnigoli and then joined Bethany on 20th June 1971. She made her first Profession on 10th May 1974 and perpetual Profession on 8th May 1981 and offered herself totally to the Lord. She was simple, humble and had a gracious smile on her face. She was a great devotee of Mother Mary and was often found praying Rosary visiting the Grotto of our Lady. Whenever possible she would spend her time before the Blessed Sacrament and drew divine energy for herself. Doing every work with perfection was her way of life. Playing musical instruments was her hobby. She would generously and joyfully play music for liturgical services and took delight in praising God. Sr Priya was noted for her virtue of charity which she exemplified in her words and deeds. She was always positive in her talk and non- judgmental in her attitude, kind and gentle in dealing with others. Her respect and obedience to those in authority was remarkable. She had a great capacity to endure sufferings with a spirit of surrender. She hurt none, endured all pain and struggles silently. She was a loving and dedicated teacher, a silent person with few words and a friend to every sister who worked with her.

In her younger days she was very active, committed and hardworking, ready for any service. She has served in Sultanpur, Bethany Bendur, Jyothi Nilaya- Kacharkanahally, Bathinda, Gadenahally, Kulshekar, Bethany-Goa, Bethany-Bangalore, St Raymond’s Vamanjoor, Rosa Mystica, Kinnikambla in various capacities as a teacher, clerk and as an accountant. Her meticulous way of maintaining accounts is highly appreciable. She has rendered her service as Headmistress at Sacred Hearts Hr Primary School, Kulshekar.

Since many years she was suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart disease and was continuously on treatment. On 4th evening she attended to her spiritual duties as usual and appeared healthy and serene. On August 5th morning as usual her alarm clock rang at 4.30 am and realizing that Sr Priya was not responding to the alarm, one of the sisters went to the room and found that she had just passed away leaving the whole community in great sorrow. On hearing the unexpected news Dr Sr Jeevitha from Kinnigoli, Sr Lillis, the Asst Superior General and Sr Mariette the General Councillor from Bethany Generalate, Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior and Sr Leera Maria the superior who were at Pastoral Centre Bajjodi attending VI Provincial Chapter reached Rosa Mystica and offered prayers for her. Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General conveyed her condolence and rendered the needed assistance.

Sr Priva loved her family members and her family would also give her comfort and strength. We are indeed grateful to every member of Sr Priya’s family for offering her generously to Bethany and for their constant support to her. We offer our condolences to all the family members.

Due to Covid 19 mitigation protocols, the funeral participation was limited to few. Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General visited Rosa Mystica and offered her prayers for the departed soul of Sr Priya.