Sr M Afflicta BS of Holy Rosary

Born                                       : 08.10.1936

Entered Bethany                   : 07.10.1956

Temporary Profession          : 08.05.1958

Perpetual Profession             : 04.05.1964

Slept in the Lord                   : 25.08.2026

“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions” (Luke 12:43–44).

These words truly reflect the life of Sr Afflicta and have become a living reality in her life. She has faithfully and generously carried out the responsibilities entrusted to her, remaining ever committed to the service of God and His people.

Sr Mary Afflicta of Holy Rosary, nee Alice Albuquerque aged 90 years was born on 08 October 1936. She was the beloved daughter of the Late Mr Alphonses Albuquerque and the Late Mrs Martha Lobo of St Ann Parish, Kelarai, under the Diocese of Mangalore. She grew up in a God-fearing family with her three brothers and three sisters. She completed her early education at St Joachims Higher Primary School, Kelarai, and pursued her high school education at Little Flower, Kinnigoly and Sacred Hearts, Kulshekar. Deeply attentive to the voice of the Lord, she entered Bethany Congregation on 07 October 1956 and made her Temporary Profession on 08 May 1958. She made her Perpetual Profession on 04 May 1964, dedicating herself completely to a life of commitment and selfless service in the vineyard of the Lord.

Sr Afflicta lived her consecrated life to the full, with the humble attitude of a handmaid and the zealous spirit of a true disciple sent on a mission. She served at Ave Maria Convent, Sirsi; Santa Cruz Convent, Kulshekar; Rosa Mystica Convent, Kinnikambla; St Xavier Convent, Ajekar; St Raymond Convent, Vamanjoor; and Maryvale Convent, Kinnigoli.

Sr Afflicta served as a High School Craft Teacher throughout her teaching career. She was actively involved in pastoral ministry, teaching Catechism to children and nurturing in them a deep love for Jesus. Through her prayerful encouragement and personal example, she became a zealous promoter of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Gifted with patience and gentleness, she taught her students with dedication, making her classes lively, creative, and engaging. She had a special concern for the poor and needy and was deeply committed to the care of creation. With love and dedication, she cultivated beautiful flower gardens as well as a kitchen garden. Sr. Afflicta had a deep love for the sisters in the community and for the domestic helpers. Even after her retirement from school, she continued her service as a tailoring teacher. For the past 25 years, she has generously helped women in and around Kinnigoli to acquire skills and become self-reliant.

Sr Afflicta was a woman of deep prayer. The Holy Rosary was her spiritual weapon, keeping her closely united with Jesus and Mother Mary. She would spend long hours before the Blessed Sacrament and remained steadfast in prayer, especially through the recitation of the Rosary. She had a profound respect for authority and gave her wholehearted support to her superiors. She cheerfully undertook even the most hidden and seemingly insignificant tasks for the community, never seeking recognition. She had a deep sense of belonging to the community and was always alert, active, and ready to offer her loving service, willingly setting aside her own rest and leisure for the good of others.

For the past three months, Sr Afflicta had been homebound due to age-related health issues. She offered her aches and pains to Jesus with faith and acceptance and continued going about her daily activities within the house. Gradually, her strength declined and she became increasingly weak. On 25 August 2026, at 05.30 a.m., Sr Afflicta peacefully breathed her last. Sr. Premlatha, Superior, and the sisters of the community commended her soul into the loving hands of God, the Creator and Giver of life.

The mortal remains of Sr Afflicta were blessed by Rev Fr. Lancy D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest, on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at 09.15 am. at Maryvale Convent. This was followed by the Eucharistic celebration at Immaculate Conception Church, Kinnigoli. Rev Fr Daniel Veigas, Episcopal Vicar for Religious of the Diocese of Mangalore, officiated at the Eucharistic celebration, while Rev Fr Joachim Fernandes, Parish Priest, delivered a meaningful and touching homily. A large number of priests concelebrated the Eucharist. Rev Sr Rose Celine, Superior General; Sr Mariette and Sr Santhosh Maria, General Councillors along with Sisters from the Generalate, Bethany Mother House, and Mangalore Province, were present for the funeral Mass. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the mortal remains of Sr Afflicta were blessed by Rev Fr Melwin Lobo, SJ, a relative of Sr Afflicta, and were interred in the Church Cemetery, where she awaits the day of resurrection. A large number of Sisters from various communities, Novices, Hostellers, Sr Afflicta’s relatives, BLA members, her tailoring students, and neighbours gathered to bid a tearful farewell to our dear Sr Afflicta.