Sr Mary Arun Cutinha BS of the Holy Family
Born : 29.05.1956
Entered Bethany : 27.06.1977
Temporary Profession : 10.05.1979
Perpetual Profession : 01.05.1987
Slept in the Lord : 02.02.2024
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it”- Ecc: 12/7
On this beautiful day of the Presentation of our Lord in the temple, with the hope of glory in Jesus, our dear Sr Arun Cutinha flew to her Creator on Friday, February 2nd 2024 at 2.30 am at the age of 68 at 45th year of religious life at Gratia Plena Convent, Santibastwad, Belgaum. Sr Arun nee Margaritha Cutinha hails from Immaculate Conception Church, Kuppepadav, Mangalore. She was the fourth child among eleven children of late Mr Alphonso Cutinha and late Mrs Mary Mendonca. She has four brothers and seven sisters. She completed her early education in her native place Kuppepadav, and Teachers’ Training at Rosa Mystica, Kinnikambla.
Sr Arun was a prayerful person and had great devotion to the Eucharist and Mother Mary. Recalling, the words of our Fr Founder “If our heart is full of Mary, we will have to speak about her to others”, she would always speak of Mary and pray the rosary continuously with the children, youth and the members of the community even in her illness and testing time. She used to spend time in prayer interceding for the needs of the Church and the Congregation in particular.
She was an exemplified, spirit-filled religious, drawing strength from her unwavering faith in the Eucharistic Lord. She embodied qualities of love, cheerfulness, concern, sensitivity and a generous heart which she extended to her sisters in the community, the less fortunate and the needy. Her life was characterized by neatness and discipline, utilizing her time purposefully. Punctuality was one of her shining virtues through which she set an example for the sisters of her community. She manifested dedication towards religious duties and actively participated in the pastoral activities in the parish as well. She always maintained a serene countenance and grateful heart even amidst pain and suffering. Her untiring commitment and loyalty to the Congregation, coupled with respect for authority and the clergy is remarkable. She inspired many young girls to respond to God’s call and many of them are in Bethany.
Being a Superior, Headmistress and a teacher, she served at St Joseph’s Sagar, Christ the King Guledgudd, Fatima Convent Madanbhavi, Madelene Convnet Londa, Bethany Convent Kable, Bethany Convent Madikeri, and Gratia Plena Santibastwad.
She was admitted to College Road Multi speciality Hospital, Belgaum for Kidney stone aliment and thereafter underwent laser surgery on 01.02.2024. As she was highly diabetic and suffered cardiac arrest, she flew to the Lord on 02.02.2024 at 2.30 am. Her funeral rites will be held at St Sebastian Church, Santibastwad, on Saturday, 03.02.2024 at 3.00 pm.
I extend my sincere condolences to Sr Sally the Provincial Superior and all the sisters of Western Province, Sr Thresiamma the local Superior and the members of the Gratia Plena Convent, Santibastwad.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her, May her soul rest in peace.
Sr M Rose Celine
Superior General