Sr M Stephanie BS

                                      Sr M Stephanie BS of Jesus

Born                                             : 11.05.1938

Entered Bethany                        : 31.07.1956

Temporary Profession               : 09.05.1960

Perpetual Profession                  : 06.05.1966

 Slept in the Lord                        : 01.05.2025

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:25-26.)

On the evening of May 1, 2025, the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, Sr M Stephanie BS of Jesus peacefully embraced the Risen Lord whom she had awaited with unwavering faith. At 10:30 p.m., wrapped in serenity and fortified by grace, she passed into eternity, having consciously commended her soul into God’s hands through the intercession of her beloved St Joseph. Just two hours earlier, she had sung from the Sing and Pray hymnal: “Bring to me… O dear St Joseph…”— a heartfelt invocation that became her final offering.

Her passage was as gentle as her spirit. It was her long-cherished desire to meet Jesus through Mary, and the Lord, in His mercy, fulfilled it perfectly. “Keep Mary close to me,” she would often whisper, surrounded always by rosaries, one in her hand, one draped around her neck, and another beneath her pillow. Her deep filial devotion to the Blessed Mother, and her constant invocation “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death” was answered in the quiet, holy grace of her passing.

Born on May 11, 1938, in Amembal of the Diocese of Mangalore, Sr Stephanie, née Cicilia Rodrigues, was the youngest of seven children born to the Late Mr David Rodrigues and the Late Mrs Izabella Noronha. She shared a close bond with her four brothers and two sisters. In her final days, she was tenderly accompanied by her beloved sister Magdalene, nephew Noel, niece Lucille, and other family members who gathered with tears and prayer to bid her farewell. Her nephew, Rev Fr Sebastian Rodrigues of the Asansol Diocese, along with other nieces and nephews, offered constant companionship through visits and shared hours of prayer. Their steadfast presence was a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and comfort that flows from family and faith.

Sr Stephanie’s life was a radiant testimony to her consecration in the garden of Bethany, where she made her Temporary Profession in 1960. She embraced her vocation with singular devotion, serving as a teacher in Mudigere, Taccode, Kowdur, Kulshekar, Rosa Mystica, and Sampaje. Even after retirement, she continued her mission with renewed energy, volunteering in the Bidar Mission, and then dedicating nearly 25 years to nurturing children at St Joseph Orphanage in Rosa Mystica, and Infant Mary Hostel, Kulshekar. For a few years, she also extended her compassionate service to women in distress at Shubhada.

Wherever she was sent, Sr Stephanie became a living embodiment of charity, humility, and joy. Her heart always beat for the poor. Just two days before her passing, she voiced concern for the children in the hostel, proof of the depth of her selfless love. Her care was not just material; it was personal. She had the unique ability to make people feel, seen and cherished. Her students called her the “cool teacher”, a sign of admiration earned not by command, but by kindness. She returned from home visits with bags full of clothes, candies, and chocolates for her hostel children. She tended to their ailments, shared their joys, and desired, even in her final months, to return to their midst.

Sr Stephanie lived the vow of poverty with rare authenticity. Whatever was given to her was promptly given away. Her joy in simple things was infectious. She asked for little, gave abundantly, and lived with profound trust in God. She was, above all, a woman of deep and unwavering faith, ever seen with the Rosary in her hand, always lifting up intentions for family, students, Sisters, and the Congregation. Many believed that when Sr Stephanie prayed, God listened and indeed, things began to happen.

In her final illness, diagnosed with multiple myeloma in November 2024 at Fr Muller Medical College, Sr Stephanie faced suffering with courage and grace. Her first request upon hearing the diagnosis was the Sacrament of Reconciliation.