Birth : 11.09.1946
Entered Bethany : 10.05.1966
First Profession : 06.05.1970
Perpetual Profession : 05.05.1976
Slept in the Lord : 12.10.2020
“Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps23:6)
Sr Juanita BS (74) nee PiadadeJakie Lopez hails from St Antony’s parish Sirsi, Karwar Diocese, Karnataka. She was born on 11.09.1946 as the youngest child among the nine children of late Jakie Lopez and Rose Lopez. She had five brothers and three sisters.
Sr Juanita had her primary and secondary school education at Ave Maria High School Sirsi, Karwar. She joined Bethany on 10.05.1966 and made her First Profession on 06.05.1970. She had her TCH training at Vanita Training College, Dharwar. After her profession, she served as a loving and dedicated teacher in our institutions at Londa, Dharwar, Gadenahally, Basrikatte, Mudigere, Gadag, Sagar, Dornhalli and Arsikere.
She has rendered commendable service in the field of education. She also involved herself in pastoral activities such as teaching catechism, visiting the families, attending SCC meetings and visiting the sick. She used to spend her time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. She was a loving sister known for her simplicity and life of contentment. Her compassionate love for the needy was an inspiration for all. Her devotion towards the Blessed Sacrament and Blessed Virgin Mary was notable. She spent time in intercessory prayers and recitation of the rosary for the needs of the whole world.
As she was suffering from chronic diabetes mellitus disease, in 2018, she was transferred to JyothiNilaya Bangalore for the needed treatment. She was undergoing dialysis at St Martha’s hospital thrice a week. On 5 October 2020, seeing her uneasiness, she was administered last sacrament. In the morning of 12 October, she received the Holy Communion and thereafter, continuously begged the Lord, “Take me Lord”.
Sr Sahana the Provincial Superior, Sr PrecillaFernandes Asst. Provincial Superior, Sr Susan the Superior, Sr Helen Rebello the Procurator and sisters of JyothiNilaya and Provincialate community were at her bedside praying continuously. At 4.30pm she flew away to meet her eternal bridegroom leaving all the sisters in great grief. Her funeral rites will be held at JyothiNilaya Convent Chapel, Bangalore, on 13.10.2020 at 10am.
I extend my sincere condolences to Sr Sahana, the Provincial Superior and her team and also to Sr Susan, the Superior and the members of the Provincialate and JyothiNilaya community, for their love and support to Sr Juanita especially during her illness.
Eternal Rest Grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Sr M Rose Celine BS
Superior General