Sr M Helen Mary BS

                                         Sr Helen Mary BS of the Holy Family

Born                                       : 14.05.1944

Entered Bethany                   : 29.10.1961

Temporary Profession          : 05.05.1963

Perpetual Profession             : 05.05.1969

Slept in the Lord                   : 29.10.2023

“If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord, so then whether we live or whether we die we are the Lords”. (Rom: 14:8)

Sr Helen Mary nee Florine DSouza was born on May 14, 1944 to the late John DSouza and Joanna Dcunha. She is the sister of the late Sr Ruth Mary BS. She is the native of Bantwal from the parish of our Lady of Loretto, in the Diocese of Mangalore. They are six siblings 3 boys and three girls among whom Sr Helen Mary is the third child.

As a young girl Sr Helen Mary received her Lower Primary education at Loretto, Bantwal, followed by Higher Primary education at Rosa Mystica, Kinnikambla and High School studies at Sacred Hearts’ Kulshekar. During her studies she was inspired by the life of Bethany sisters and she responded gladly to the call of God to religious life on 29^th October 1961 and made her Temporary Profession on May 5^th 1963 and Perpetual Profession May 5^th 1969. She went to her eternal abode on October 29^th 2023. Her entry to Bethany and her entry to heaven coincidently is on 29^th October. After her novitiate formation she completed her teachers training course at Rosa Mystica TTI, Kinnikambla.

Sr Helen Mary’s life of dedicated service encompassed various roles, including Superior, Headmistress and Correspondent in different communities and schools within the Mangalore Province. As a religious she served for six decades in 12 Convents; Mary Queen Karkal, Sacred Heart Neerude, Maryvale Kinnigoli, St Antony Padukone, Bethany Mother House Bendur, Lisieux Puttur, Pompei Kowdur, Visitaion Kadaba, Lourdes Kanajar, Providence Balkunje, Regina Caeli Ranipua and St Raymond’s Convent Vamanjoor which is a testimony of her simple life of dedication.  As a true educator she has touched and enriched many lives. Her life, marked by simplicity and unwavering devotion, touched and enriched countless lives especially the poor. Her life marked by simplicity and devotion remains as legacy for the generations.

She exemplified a spirit-filled personality, drawing strength from her firm faith in the Eucharistic Lord. Her faith was not just a belief but a profound trust in God, guiding her life’s path and shaping her interactions with others and the world. Sr Helen Mary embodied qualities of love, cheerfulness, concern, sensitivity and a generous spirit which extended to her sisters, the less fortunate and the needy. Her life was characterized by neatness, discipline and meticulous planning, allowing her to utilize her time purposefully. Punctuality was one of her shining virtues through which she set an example for the sisters of her community. She actively participated in pastoral activities within the parish, showing her dedication to her religious duties. She silently endured her sufferings, even during moments of intense pain, always maintaining a serene countenance and a heart full of gratitude. She demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty to the Congregation, coupled with respect for authority and the clergy.

Despite her intense battle with dementia and months of excruciating pain, she continued to surrender her sufferings to the Lord with courage and fortitude. On 13^th September she was shifted to Concetta hospital Kinnigoli for better medical care. On 29^th October, at 9 45 pm, she peacefully offered her soul to God in the presence of sisters praying around her bedside.

On 31^st of October at 10.30 am the funeral mass was officiated by Rev Fr Daniel Veigas OP, the Episcopal Vicar for Religious of Mangalore Diocese and concelebrated by five other priests. Rev Sr Mariette and Sr Sandhya, General Councilors, Sr Violette DSouza the Procurator General were present for the last journey along with the sisters from Mother house, sisters of the Province and the novices. Large number of family members, relatives, co-teachers, parishioners and BLA members were also present. The mortal remains were blessed and were laid to rest in the convent cemetery.

I am grateful to Sr Rose Celine our Superior General and her team for their prayerful support.  I thank my Councillors for their immense cooperation. I thank Sr Vithalis Lobo, the Superior, and the sisters of St Raymond’s Convent, Vamanjoor, for their loving care, especially during her trying illness.