Birth : 13.11.1947
Entered Bethany : 24.05.1966
Temporary Profession : 24.03.1971
Perpetual Profession : 16.05.1977
Entered Eternity : 23.10.2023
Sr Mary Tressy BS (76) nee Jenis Pinto of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore passed away peacefully at 8:17 am on 23 October 2023 Monday at St John’s Hospital Bangalore after a period of prolonged illness. She is the daughter of late Mr. Francis Pinto and Late Mrs. Santhan Fernandes, belonging to St Roque Church, Neerude of Mangalore Diocese. She has four brothers and four sisters.
Sr Tressy, a spirit filled person drew her strength from the Eucharistic Lord and Blessed Mother. She was prompt to rise early to spend the day in the presence of the Lord. As a silent sufferer, she endured her sufferings patiently. Even in her intense struggle one would find in her a smiling face and a grateful heart. She was jovial, vibrant, cheerful and enthusiastic in her apostolate, in the service of sisters and people. All those who have known and lived with her will testify that she is a very dear friend and pleasant companion on the journey of life. As a religious she was an example to emulate. Her faith in God was admirable. She spent time reading and reflecting the Word of God and shared it with students and sisters. During her illness she devoted her time to listen to inspirational online talks, prayer sessions and praying Rosaries.
Sr Tressy had her primary education at St Francis higher primary school, Neerude and high school at Rosa Mystica Kinnikambla, Mangalore. She responded to the call of Jesus and joined Bethany on 24.05.1966 and made her First Profession in 1971. She pursued her Teacher’s Training at Rosa Mystica, Mangalore and surrendered herself totally to the service of God through Perpetual Commitment in 1977. She pursued her Degree at Mysore University and B.Ed. at Swami Vivekananda College Arsikere. She has served in different communities of Bangalore and Western Provinces in various capacities as an effective teacher, efficient headmistress, committed Provincial Councillor for two terms, formator and loving superior at Sacred Heart Convent Basrikatte, Holy Cross Convent Arsikere, St Joseph’s Convent Sagar, St Michael’s Convent Dandeli, Madeleine Convent Londa, Presentation Convent Dharwad, Bethany Convent Bangalore, St Antony’s Convent Ponnampet and Jyothi Nilaya Bangalore.
Her 76 years of earthly life and 52 years of religious life were made meaningful and fruitful in the mission of education, administration, pastoral ministry and formation. She has ignited the lives of thousands of students through her life example, with compassion towards the needy and poor. The hearts of many children and people have been won through her capturing smile and affectionate words. She was involved in pastoral activities such as teaching catechism, visiting families, sick and the aged and attending charismatic prayers.
She was suffering from Cancer and was on treatment during the past few years. On 21 October symptoms of uneasiness were shown and she was admitted to St John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore. On 23 October 2023, at 8:17 am she peacefully flew away to meet her eternal bridegroom in the presence of Sr Sahana the Provincial Superior, Sisters and her relatives. They commended her soul to God.
Her funeral rites will be held at Jyothi Nilaya Chapel Bangalore on 24.10.2023 at 3:00 pm.
I extend my sincere condolences to Sr Sahana, the Provincial Superior and all the sisters of Bangalore Province, Sr Susan, the local Superior and the members of Jyothi Nilaya, Bangalore.
Eternal Rest Grant unto her 0 Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace Amen.
-Sr Rose Celine BS
Superior General