Born :25.04.1942
Entered Bethany :16.05.1960
Temporary Profession :05.05.1963
Perpetual Profession :05.05.1969
Slept in the Lord :29.08.2024
Sr Angelica BS, nee Lilly Roche, aged 82, is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore, peacefully flew to her eternal abode at the early hours on 29th August 2024 at 04.45 am at St Raymond’s Convent Vamanjoor. She was born to late Gregory Roche and Dominica Pashan. She hails from the parish of Our Lady of Mercy, Fajir in the Diocese of Mangalore. She is the fourth in the family of seven siblings with two brothers and four sisters. Her niece Sr Zeena Caroline Menezes BS serving at Bethany Convent, Hebbal and her nephew Fr Santhosh Menezes OCD serving at Goa.
Sr Angelica’s education commenced at St Mary’s Primary School Fajir followed by her High School studies at Sacred Heart High School, Kulshekar, and completed her TTC at Rosa Mystica Teachers Training Institute, Kinnikambla. Having perceived a call to serve Jesus, Sr Angelica joined Bethany Congregation on 16th May 1960, making her Temporary Profession on 5th May 1963 and Perpetual Profession on 5th May 1969.
Sr Angelica exemplified a spirit-filled personality, drawing strength from her firm faith in the Eucharistic Lord. She was cheerful, calm, and serene. Being jovial, she enjoyed the company of young and elderly. She actively participated in pastoral activities within the parish, showing her dedication to her religious duties. She demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty to the Congregation, coupled with respect for authority and the clergy. She had a great sense of belonging to the community wherever she was placed. She had served as the Local Procurator in most of the communities along with her teaching ministry. She had great love for cultivation and made use of the land productively. She silently endured her sufferings especially during the past four years, even during moments of intense pain, always maintaining a serene and cheerful countenance and a heart full of gratitude.
Sr Angelica dedicated her life in the field of education as a committed teacher and served at Permannur, Kirem, Bendur, Kulshekar, Nirkan, Basrur, Bajpe, Ranipura, Neerude and Moodubelle. After her retirement she engaged herself joyfully in social and pastoral ministries at Kulshekar, Kadaba, Mulki, Padukone, Balkunje, Kowdur, Rosa Mystica and presently at Vamanjoor in prayer ministry. As a true educator she has touched and moulded many lives. Her life, marked by simplicity and steadfast devotion, enriched countless lives especially her students.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sr Lilly Pereira the Provincial Superior, the sisters of Mangalore Province, Sr Vithalis, the Superior and the sisters of St Raymond’s Convent, Vamanjoor, for their tender care and spiritual accompaniment, especially during her illness. We commend the soul of Sr Angelica to God and pray - Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace!
Her funeral rites will be held today, Thursday 29 August 2024 at 04.30 pm at St Raymond’s Convent Chapel, Vamanjoor.
(Sr Rose Celine BS)
Superior General