Born : 30.09.1946
Entered Bethany : 16.07.1963
Temporary Profession: 06.05.1965
Entered Eternity : 14.11.2023
“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” (Ps.23:6).
These words of the Scripture are very appropriate to Sr Marie Ange as she was well prepared to respond to the call of her Bridegroom and was gently carried away into His bosom on 14 November 2023 at 8.10 a.m. in the 58th year of her religious life and 77th year of her life.
Sr Marie Ange, nee Irene Vas is the daughter of Late Mr Michael Faustine Vas and Late Mrs Angeline Sequeira, belonging to St Anthony’s Parish Mudigere, Chikmagalur Diocese. Her parents were blessed with two children, Sr Marie Ange being the eldest and her younger brother Cyprian.
Sr Marie Ange had her education till Class VIII at St Martha’s, Mudigere, and completed her high School studies at Government High School, Mudigere. From her childhood she desired to dedicate her life as a consecrated religious. She used to narrate about her meeting our Founder as a child and he told that she will be a Bethany Sister.
She responded to the call of Jesus and joined Bethany on 16 July 1963 and made her First Profession on 6th May 1965. She completed her B.A at St Agnes College and B.Ed at St Ann’s. Then onwards she has served as a high school teacher at Gulabi Bangalore, St Joseph’s Sagar, Presentation Dharwar and as headmistress at Little Flower Kinnigoly, Madeleine Mulky, Jyoti Ajekar and Rosa Mystica. After her retirement in 2004 she spent her years at Bethany Mother House rendering her service at Sachetana(Bethany Pastoral Centre), Prison Ministry and in writing books and articles to various Konkani, Kannada and English periodicals. One of her greatest works is publication of the Eucharistic Miracles in Konkani and Kannada, collecting information from various sources. She was a great inspiration for young boys and girls to join priesthood and religious life.
Sr Marie Ange was very simple, humble by nature, approachable and compassionate. She had a great talent to build up relationship with one and all. She kept in touch with her old students, their parents and parishioners.
She had a great devotion to our Eucharistic Lord and our Blessed Mother. She was prompt and faithful to her religious commitment. She suffered from brain tumor and underwent surgery for the removal of brain tumor. After she recovered she spent her time in praying and writing. Since a few years she was suffering from cancer. She bore her pain and suffering patiently and in resignation to God’s will. For the past three months she was confined to her bed and suffered a lot. She used to say that she is ready to bear any suffering and lessen her purgatory here on earth. In her sickness she was given great medical care by the community. On 14 November 2023 she received communion and had her breakfastaround 7.30 am. She was well prepared to meet Jesus and peacefully yielded her soul to God at 8.10 a.m. in the presence of Sr Shaila, the Delegation Superior, Sr Jessy Leena and Sr Gracilda. Sr Shaila commended her soul to God. Immediately the sisters from the community rushed to her room and prayed for soul. Sr Rose Celine our Superior General was informed. She and her councillors rushed to her room and they paid their respect and offered their prayers. Fr Vincent Montero the parish priest of Bendur was sent for and he blessed her and gave the absolution.
Her funeral rites will be held at Bethany Mother House Chapel on 15th, Wednesday at 10.00 a.m.
I extend my sincere condolences to Sr Shaila, the Central Delegation Superior and all the sisters of the Central Delegation; Sr Dona Sanctis, the local Superior and the members of Bethany Mother House,Bendur.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
(Sr Rose Celine, BS)
Superior General