Sr M Jyothsna BS of Immaculate Conception

Born                                       : 04.04.1971

Entered Bethany                   : 07.06.1989

Temporary Profession          : 20.04.1992

Perpetual Profession             : 27.04.1998

Slept in the Lord                   : 29.07.2026

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1–2).

These words of the Psalmist beautifully reflect the life of our beloved Sr Jyothsna. Throughout her life and amidst the many sufferings she endured, she remained firmly rooted in her faith in God. Gentle, wise, and richly gifted, she dedicated her life completely to the Lord and continually witnessed to His love. Even while suffering greatly, Sr Jyothsna would comfort her sister Molly Olivera who came to console her by saying: “Why are you crying? My Jesus gives me the strength to bear every suffering that comes into my life. He is always with me, and my Bethany Sisters are praying for me.”

Sr Mary Jyothsna of Immaculate Conception, nee Lynette Benedicta Pasanna, aged 55, was born on 04 April 1971 to the Late Mr Alphons Pasanna and the Late Mrs Alice Pasanna of St Antony’s Parish, Padukone under the Diocese of Udupi. She completed her primary education at St Antony Higher Primary School, Padukone, her high school at Gregory High School, Nada, and her Pre-University education at PU Junior College, Gangolli. While discerning God’s plan for her life, she heard His gentle call deep within her heart. Having grown up in a prayerful and God-fearing family, she recognized this divine invitation and responded generously by joining the Bethany Congregation on 07 June 1989. After completing her initial formation, she made her Temporary Profession on 20 April 1992 and Perpetual Profession on 27 April 1998, offering her life forever in the service of Christ.

Sr Jyothsna was a woman of remarkable simplicity and peace. Though she appeared quiet and humble, she possessed immense wisdom and knowledge. She completed her General Nursing and Midwifery at St John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore, and began her ministry in the healthcare apostolate at Fr L.M. Pinto Hospital, Badyar. Later, Sr Jyothsna served in nursing and social ministry at Bethany Seva Ashram, Jalasangi, and continued her mission for five years at Maryvale Convent, Kinnigoli. As a staff nurse, she was deeply committed and generous in serving the sick. From 2005 to 2007, she completed her Post B.Sc. Nursing at Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangalore. She then served as a Faculty Member for two years at St Ann’s College of Nursing, Mulki.

Recognizing her calm leadership and administrative abilities, Sr Jyothsna was appointed Administrator of Concetta Hospital, Kinnigoli, where she served for three years, and later

as Administrator of Fr L.M. Pinto Hospital, Badyar, for three years, followed by one year as Assistant Administrator. As an efficient and visionary administrator, she strengthened the hospital’s services and expanded its outreach through community health programmes, touching the lives of countless people with her compassionate service.

Sr Jyothsna rendered her dedicated service in Badyar and Kinnigoli as Superior. From June 2025, she was the Superior of Bethany Generalate. In February 2026, Sr Jyothsna underwent surgery for appendicitis. The Lord’s plan for Sr Jyothsna unfolded in a different way. During the course of her treatment, she was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of the stomach. From then on, she received treatment at Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady. Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General, Sr Violet Dsouza, the Procurator General and the sisters of the Generalate community lovingly cared for her with great dedication and affection. On 18 May 2026, Sr Jyothsna was transferred to Maryvale Convent Kinnigoli.

The last six months of her life were marked by intense physical suffering, which she embraced in close union with the suffering Christ. Until her final days, she remained conscious and firmly hoped that the Lord would grant her healing. Even amid severe pain and physical weakness, she expressed profound faith, placing her complete trust in God and surrendering herself to His holy will.

On Saturday, 25 July 2026, as her condition became critical, Sr Jyothsna was admitted to Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady. On 28 July, Rev Fr Faustine Lobo, Director of Father Muller Hospital, administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Sr Premlatha, the Superior, together with the sisters of the community, remained by her side, offering constant spiritual support and prayer. Sr Rose Celine, our Superior General, who was on a Canonical Visitation to the Silchar Province, spoke with Sr Jyothsna via video call. She comforted her and assured her of her prayers. At the end of the call, Sr Jyothsna received the blessing from Sr Rose Celine.

During her final moments, Sr Jyothsna was surrounded by the prayerful presence of Sr Sandhya, the General Councillor, Sr Lilly Pereira, the Provincial Superior, Sr Premlatha her Superior and her community sisters, Sr Violet Pinto, the Superior of Bethany Generalate and the sisters of Generalate and Mother House communities. In their presence, at 7:08 pm on 29 July 2026, strengthened by the prayers and love of those around her, Sr Jyothsna peacefully surrendered her soul into the loving hands of her Creator God.

The mortal remains of Sr Jyothsna was blessed by Rev Fr Lancy Dsouza, the Assistant Parish Priest on Friday, 31 July 2026 at 03.00 pm at Maryvale Convent Kinnigoli followed by Mass at Immaculate Conception Church Kinnigoli. Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore officiated the Eucharistic celebration and Rev Fr Maxim Rosario preached a meaningful and touching homily. The Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese, Monsignor Maxim Noronha, the Parish Priest Rev Fr Joachim Fernandes and a big number of priests concelebrated in the Eucharistic celebration.