Birth :08.07.1939
Entered Bethany :28.05.1958
First Profession :09.05.1960
Final Profession :06.05.1966
Entered Eternity :19.08.2022
“Be faithful unto to death and I will give you the crown of life” Rev. 2/10
Sr Victoria nee Carmina Fernandes (83), of which 62 years she spent in religious life in the congregation of the sistersof the Little Flower of Bethany. She surrendered her soul completely to the Lord on 19th August at 3.50 pm in Presentation Convent Dharwad of Western Province.She remained faithful to the Lord till the end to receive hercrown of eternal life.
Sr Victoria was born to Mr John Fernandes and MrsMagdeliene Fernandes of St Lawrence Parish Bondel in Mangalore on 08.07.1939. They were a family of nine children-five brothers and four sisters among whom Rev Fr Joseph Fernandes was a priest belonging to the Arch- diocese of Delhi. Her sister andtwo niecesare in the Apostolic Carmel Congregation. Sr Victoria, after completing her High school studies she decided to be a religious and joined Bethany. She went through her early formation in the year 1960 and made her Perpetual Profession in 1966. Having completed her graduation and Professional training she served in various mission communities and schools at Mudigere, Londa, Kacharakanahally, Sagar, Sirsi, Dornahalli,Guledgudd, Ankola, Dharwad and various diocesan schools particularlyin Belgaum and Karwar Dioceses. Her appointments as teacher, Superior and Headmistress showed her complete obedience and dedication to the mission of the Church and the Congregation.
She was a fully transparent, authentic and genuine person. She was totally involved in the care of the mission and never made any compromise with her responsibilities. She was reliable and open to new ideas; capable of taking risks. She was soft spoken, polite in her dealing; had a cheerful countenance and maintained good relationship with the sisters and externs. She was serious about her religious life and prayer life which was visible in her words, actions and dealings with the people. In the year 2020-21 she spent a year in prayer ministry at Bethany Mother house, Mangalore.
She was suffering from age related sicknesses and was confined to her room for a couple of weeks. As she was going through intense suffering and agonizing pain, sisters would take turns to keep her company and pray with her. For the past week her condition became critical and medical help was sought but it was of no avail. As she was slowly and steadily declining,sisters offered her the much-needed spiritual support to endure her sufferings patiently.
On August 19thher condition became very serious. So soon after the morning Eucharist, the celebrant Fr Michael Souz, the Headmaster of St Joseph’s High School, Dharwar along with sisters of the community prayed over her. She was administered the sacrament of anointing of the sick by Fr Fidelino, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Dharwar. She commended her soul to God her Creator at 3.50pm in the presence of sisters Alicia and Aileen. Thus the earthly pilgrimage of Sr Victoria, came to an end. Her funeral rite will be held on 20th, at Holy Cross Church, Dharwad at 10.30am.
I extend my sincere condolences to Sr Sally BS, the Provincial Superior and all the sisters of Western Province; Sr Archana, the local Superior and the members of Presentation Convent, Dharwad.
Eternal Rest Grant unto to her O Lord and Let perpetual Light shine upon her. May she rest in Peace.
Sr Rose Celine BS
Superior General