Birth : 11.12.1953
Entered Bethany : 06.06.1971
First Profession : 30.04.1975
Perpetual Profession : 08.05.1981
Entered Eternity : 05.10.2022
“Like gold in the Furnace, he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering He accepted them.” (Wis 3:6). Today these words from the book of Wisdom have been realized in the life of Sr Christine. Her constant longing to meet her beloved during her intense illness became a reality as she joined new life in Jesus the Risen Savior at 8.30pm in SDM hospital, Dharwad.
Sr Christine of Jesus Crucified was born on 11 December 1953 as the third child among nine children of Mr Thomas D’Souza and Mrs Angeline D’Souza of St Lawrence Parish, Attur, Karkal in Mangalore Diocese. After completing her High School education,she joined Bethany on 6June 1971 and made her Perpetual Profession on 8 May 1981. She has a younger sister in Bethany, Sr Sabina, serving in Guwahati province,Sr Florentia (MP) her aunt and Sr Freeda (WP) her cousin sister.
Her religious life of 42 years at Santibastwad, Dandeli, Gadag, Dharward, ArsikereAmbewadi, Mahim and Ankolawas madefruitful by her dedicated service as a local superior of communities, procurator and as office clerk. As a committed sister she was dear to many, in the community, parish and society wherever she served. She lived a simple, silent and faith filled life; always had a cheerful countenance. She suffered intensely as she was unable to move about and endured her agonizing moments with courage and fortitude uniting her sufferings with her crucified Lord and master, in a spirit of resignation.
Sr Christine suffered from chronic diabetes and eventually developed heart problems. For better medical treatment she was transferred to Presentation Convent from Ankola. She was hospitalized as and when necessary at Lourdes hospital Dharwad.Later she was moved to Fr Muller Hospital, Mangalore for investigation and medical treatment. Thereafter, she was shifted to Presentation Convent, Dharwad. As there was constant fluctuation in her sugar level and blood pressureshe had to be admitted frequently to Lourdes hospital. Dr Sr Fely took take careof her. During her prolonged illness it was found that the infection had spread and her leg was amputated at SDM Medical College hospital on 1st October 2022.Since then, she experienced discomfort and breathlessness; she continued to remain in the ICU under medical supervision.
During her illness Sr Archana, the superior and the community members gave her spiritual as well as moral support. Sr Sally Provincial Superior and her councilors left no stone unturned to restore her to health and wholeness by providing the best of care and medical treatment from competent doctors. Sisters of Presentation convent as well as sisters of neighboring communities have kept vigil with the sister during her illness.
Sr Christine took flight to her beloved creator whom she was waiting for so lovingly, on Wednesday at 8.30pm in the presence of Sr Sally, Provincial Superior, Sr Rose Ann, assistant provincial superior, sisters of Presentation Convent and her family members. Her mortal remains were brought to Presentation Convent and laid to rest in the chapel. Her funeral rite will be held on 6 October, at Presentation Convent, Dharwad at 11.00am.
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