First Profession : 05.05.1965
Perpetual Profession : 14.05.1971
Entered Eternity : 26.02.2022
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23.
Sr Marita winged her way to heaven at 1.15 pm of February 26, 2022 at the age of 84 and 57thyear of her religious life at Gratia Plena Convent, Santibastwad in the Diocese of Belgaum.Sr Marita, nee Merlyn D’ Souza hails from Holy Redeemer Parish,Nirkan, Dakshina Kannada. She is the beloved daughter of late Mr Sylvester D’ Souza and Mrs Getrude D’ Souza who were generous to offer their two daughters among their six children, to religious life. Her younger Sister, Sr Flavita is a Bethany sister and is serving at St Joseph’s Convent,Bathinda, Punjab.
She joined Bethany on April 14, 1963 and made her First Profession on May 5, 1965 and Perpetual Profession on May 14, 1971. Every one admired her virtuous life, her little acts of mercy and charity towards each and everyone. Prayer was for her priority in spite of her old age and ailments. She would be prompt to rise early to attend all her spiritual and community exercises in spite of her ill health. One could always find her at prayer before the Blessed Sacrament focused on Jesus, reciting Mercy Rosary in the presence of the Lord. She was very generous especially towards the poor and needy. She had great devotion to Blessed Sacrament and Mother Mary.
The various missions of Bethany Congregation offered a setting for Sr Marita to give her very best in loving service to all. As a teacher she rendered her dedicated services at Santa Cruz Convent,Kulshekar, Mangalore, Madeline Convent, Mulki and Londa, St Mary’s Convent, Arsikere, Fatima Convent, Dornahalli, Ave Maria Convent,Sirsi, St Michael’s Convent, Dandeli, Bethany Convent, Mahim, Presentation Convent,Dharwad, St Antony’s Convent, Belgaum, St Martha’s Convent Mudigere, St Mary’s Convent Dahanu Road, Bethany Convent, Panvel, St Mary’s Convent, Quepem and Gratia Plena Convent, Santibastwad.
Since a month Sr Marita’s health was deteriorating due to old age related ailments. During this time of her sickness she was serene and accepted her pain in a spirit of faith surrender. The Parish Priest Fr Esubio Fernandez and Assistant Parish Priest Fr Simon Macarenhas visited her often and accompanied her through their prayers.On February 25, whenshe showed signs of uneasiness, Doctor was called and thereafter the Parish Priest administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The sisters kept watching and praying beside her and prepared her for a happy death and at 1.15pm she breathed her last peacefully on the day dedicated to Mother Mary which was very dear to her.
On receiving the news of her death Parish Priest Fr Esubio Fernandez blessed the mortal remains of Sr Marita and commended her soul to the Lord. Her funeral services will take place on February 27, 2022 at St Sebastian Church,Santibastwad at 3.30 pm.
I offer my sincere condolences to Sr Sally the Provincial Superior and her Councillors, Sr Thresiamma the Superior, all the community Sisters and Sisters of Western Province.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in peace.
Sr M Rose Celine BS
Superior General