Born : 20.09.1931
Joined Bethany : 16.07.1951
First Profession : 30.05.1952
Perpetual Profession : 05.05.1960
Entered Eternity : 31.01.2020
Sr Madeleine, née Magdalene D’Souza(89), was born to late Mr Gratian D’Souza and Severine D’Souza at Permannoor, in the Diocese of Mangalore on 20.09.1931, in a God fearing family. Out of the 9 children, she is second in the family. She joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany on 16 July 1951. After her religious formation in Mangalore, she was assigned to Bangalore/Western and Mangalore Provinces and she rendered her services as a Superior of the communities and in the field of education as a teacher both in the Primary and in high schools. She also had her higher grade needle work certificate and served in the high schools. At present she is the member of Presentation Convent, Dharwad from 2006 till date. For many years she suffered from diabetes.
After her retirement from teaching service she was involved actively in the pastoral activities like teaching catechism, attending SCC Meetings, visiting families and the sick, and interceding for the effectiveness of the ministry. Pastoral ministry was the heart of her mission. She served at Assumption Convent, Karwar for long 12 years and she loved it. To that effect people still kept contact with her till the end. She was jovial by nature, deeply rooted in prayer and mission, and led a very exemplary vowed life. Bethany is truly proud of Sr Madeleine for her simplicity of life and loyalty to the Church.
Rev Sr Rose Celine, our Superior General, while on Canonical Visitation at Provincial House, Dharwad, along with Sr Assumpta, the Provincial Superior, visited Sr Madeleine and prayed for her. Sisters from the Province visited her often and encouraged her to accept her long sufferings with cheerfulness. She showed signs of breathlessness and was administered the last sacraments on 31st January, prior to her death. She breathed her last on 31.01.2020 at 9.10 am. Her funeral rites will be held at Presentation Convent, Dharwad tomorrow i.e, 01.02.2020 at 10.00 am officiated by Most Rev. Dr Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum
I express my sincere condolences to the members of Presentation Community and in a special manner to Sr Assumpta the Provincial Superior, her team and members of the Western Province.
Eternal Rest grant unto her O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon her
May she rest in peace.
Sr M Rose Celine BS
Superior General