Sr M Monthi Mary BS
Sr Monthi Mary BS of the Holy Family
Born : 01.09.1953
Entered Bethany : 30.06.1971
Temporary Profession : 06.05.1976
Perpetual Profession : 06.05.1982
Slept in the Lord : 06.06.2022
“I am the Resurrection and the life, those who believe in me, even though they die, will live”(John 11:25)
Sr Monthi Mary who firmly believed in these words of Jesus Christ flew to her eternal abode on 6th June at 5.40pm. Having fulfilled the task entrusted to her by her Divine Master she offered her soul to God at the 69th year of her earthly life and 46th year of her consecrated life. As she was born in the month of September she was given the name Monthi Mary at her baptism. Sr Monthi hails from St Antony’s Church Anthonykatte of Mangalore Diocese. Having born to devout parents the late Manuel DSouza and the late Agnes DSouza, she had four brothers and three sisters. All her siblings are in heaven seeing the Lord face to face.
Sr Monthi completed her Hr Pry education at Little Flower Higher Primary School, High School at Holy Family Bajpe and Teacher’s Training at Rosa Mystica teachers training Institute, Kinnikambla. Her love for Jesus and devotion to Mary enabled her to respond to God’s call and devote her life for the service of the poor and the marginalised of the Society. Enthused by this zeal Sr Monthi joined Bethany in the year 1971, made her Temporary profession on 6th May 1976 and Perpetual commitment on 6th May 1982.
Sr Monthi was gentle and polite by nature and a Spirit-filled religious. She would sit in the Chapel and gaze at the Eucharistic Lord for long hours. Since she was suffering from uncontrolled diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and other health issues she used to take medicine and was falling asleep towards morning. She used to request the sisters of the community to wake her up for mass so that she receives Holy Communion daily. Owing to her ill-health, whenever she was unable to be present for the Eucharist, she would humbly request the Superior to give her communion. Her close recourse to Blessed Virgin Mary led her to pray as many rosaries as possible with unction, even at the reclining years of her life. Her love for the poor and the needy was shown by visiting their houses after the school hours.
As a dedicated teacher Sr Monthi imparted knowledge and was instrumental in inculcating Gospel values among the children. She rendered remarkable service at St Sebastian School Bendur, St Joseph’s School Taccode, Holy Angel’s School Permannur, Little Flower School Bajpe and Puttur, Rosa- Mystica School at Kinnikambla and St Joseph’s School Kushekar. Like a faithful servant, she was committed to the mission and through her rapport, she won the hearts of hundreds of children and their parents.
Sr Monthi lived her religious life with a compassionate heart and with zeal for the mission. All those who have known and lived with her will testify that she is a prayerful and pleasant person. Being affectionate she sought the company of sisters and was present for all the community activities including recreation. Though she was suffering from uncontrolled diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Ischemic stroke and Parkinson disease she accepted her sickness patiently and endured with heroic faith uniting them to the sufferings of Christ. She was loyal to the Congregation and was respectful towards the authority. She would humbly approach the Superior of the community for her needs. Through her cheerfulness, jovial nature and sensitivity she created an impact on her community sisters, children, youth and adults alike.
On sixth June as usual along with the elderly sisters she prayed the rosary at the Grotto of our Lady after which she asked blessing with folded hands. On her way to the Chapel, she suddenly collapsed due to Massive Myocardial infarction and made her total surrender to the Lord peacefully. The community members along with Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior and Sr Vithalis the Superior, rushed to her bed side and offered prayers to the departed. Her sudden demise shocked the entire community.
The mortal remains of Sr Monthi were placed in the community Chapel. The Sisters of the community kept night vigil and perennial prayers were offered for the repose of her soul.
The funeral mass was held on 7th June at 3.00pm officiated by Rev Fr James DSouza the Parish Priest of St Joseph the Worker Church Vamanjoor along with Rev Fr Wilfred Prakash DSouza the director of St Joseph’s Engineering College, Vamanjoor and Rev Fr Anand OFM a native of Vamanjoor. Fr Anand preached a befitting sermon and said even though Sr Monthi is not physically present among us she is very much present in Spirit.
Sr Rose Celine the Superior General along with the General Councillors was present for the last journey. Sr Sahana the Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province, Sisters from other Provinces, Novices and sisters of the Province were present. The funeral service was attended by her family members, relatives, co teachers, parishoners and BLA members. The mortal remains were blessed by Rev Fr James DSouza the Parish Priest and were laid to rest in the convent cemetery.
Eternal rest grant to her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in peace! Amen.
(Sr M Cicilia Mendonca BS)
Provincial Superior
