Sr Mary Janice BS of Jesus Crucified

Born                                       : 18.02.1948

Entered Bethany                   : 24.05.1966

Temporary Profession          : 24.03.1971

Perpetual Profession            : 16.05.1977

Slept in the Lord                   : 23.06.2026

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master” (Mt 25:21).

These words from the Gospel of Matthew were truly fulfilled in the life of Sr Janice. Until the very end of her life, she remained steadfast in her faith. Placing complete trust in God, she accepted her suffering as a challenge and with remarkable patience, offered her life as a living sacrifice to the Lord. On 23.06.2026 at 7:20 pm., she peacefully surrendered her soul into the hands of the Lord.

Sr Mary Janice of Jesus Crucified, née Lilly Cardoza, aged 78, was born on February 18, 1948. She was the beloved daughter of the Late Mr Salvadore Cardoza and the Late Mrs Emilian D’Silva of St Ignatius Loyola Parish, Paladka, under the Diocese of Mangalore. She completed her early education at St Ignatius Higher Primary School, Paladka, and pursued her high school education at Little Flower High School, Kinnigoli. She completed her TCH training at Rosa Mystica Teachers’ Training School, Kinnikambla, equipping herself for a lifelong mission of education and service. Deeply attentive to the voice of the Lord, she entered Bethany Congregation on May 25, 1966, and made her Temporary Profession on March 24, 1971. She made her Perpetual Profession on May 16, 1977, dedicating herself completely to a life of prayer and selfless service in the vineyard of the Lord.

Sr Janice 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. Over her years, she served at Mother of Mercy Convent, Kirem, Sacred Heart Convent, Neerude, Lisieux Convent, Puttur, Visitation Convent, Kadaba, Bethany Convent, Bendur, Regina Caeli Convent, Ranipura, and Nazareth Convent, Bajpe. Following her retirement from the field of education, she continued her pastoral ministry at Bajpe and Kinnigoli. For many years, she taught Catechism to children and lovingly prepared many of them to receive their First Holy Communion. From 2007 onwards, she beautifully rendered her services at Maryvale Convent, Kinnigoli. Her 19 years of service in Kinnigoli remain memorable and invaluable.

Sr Janice was a woman deeply rooted in prayer. She was simple, humble, and affectionate. She was sincere and faithful in both prayer and ministry. Throughout her religious life, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to education. She had a special love for children, offered encouragement to the weak, and became a source of hope for neglected and underprivileged children. She loved her fellow sisters deeply and was always cheerful. She showed profound respect, love, and obedience to her superiors. Her life reflected genuine religious commitment. Whatever responsibility was entrusted to her, she carried it out with discipline, precision, and dedication. Whether in education, pastoral work, or parish ministry, she rendered faithful service with great enthusiasm. Her unwavering faith and complete trust in God, strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit, made her life an inspiration to all.

Those who knew her often described her as a “walking angel.” She took meticulous care of every corner of the convent. She was careful, attentive, and orderly in everything she did. Before going to bed each night, she would personally check whether all the convent doors and gates were securely locked. Her heart, mind, and life reflected purity, sincerity, and simplicity.

For nearly a year, she suffered from illness with great patience and courage. Even during her suffering, she continued to carry out her responsibilities faithfully. On June 19, 2026, as she appeared sick and tired, her superior, Sr Premlatha, admitted her to Concetta Hospital. Despite her weakening lungs and deteriorating health, she received exceptional, tender medical care from Sr Dr Jeevitha and the hospital staff. Rev. Fr. Joachim Fernandes administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and provided her with spiritual comfort. During her final days, she was surrounded by the prayerful presence of her community sisters, the Provincial Superior Sr Lilly Pereira, and her loving family members. At 7:20 PM on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the prayers of her community, she peacefully breathed her last and offered her soul back to her Creator.

The mortal remains of Sr Janice were blessed by Rev Fr Lancy Dsouza, the Asst Parish Priest on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 03.30 pm at Maryvale Convent followed by Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Kinnigoli. Rev Fr Michael Dsilva officiated the Eucharistic celebration and Rev Fr Dony Cardoza, CssR, Sr Janice’ s relative priests preached a meaningful and touching homily. Rev Fr Daniel Veigas, the Episcopal Vicar for Religious of Mangalore Diocese and other priests concelebrated in the Eucharistic celebration. A large number of Sisters from various communities, Novices, Hostellers, Sr Janice’s relatives, BLA members, and neighbours gathered to bid her a tearful farewell.