In Great Solidarity and Deep Sorrow
God called one of our most loyal, friendly, deeply prayerful, gentle and caring community member, Sister Mary Sujata to the home in heaven on 5th September 2018. A rare lung disease that had befriended her for almost four years stole away her vibrant health in varied stages. However, Sister was put on life-saving system and given all medical and spiritual assistance by our community members but Sr. Sujata’s health gradually deteriorated. Patiently, she cooperated with the doctors and nurses who attended to her various needs. Sister Sujata breathed her last peacefully on the 5th September at 12:00 a.m. in the presence of her niece Sister Beena, who had come from Delhi to be with Sister for a few days and in the presence of the Provincial House community.
At the Wake- prayer service, many shared their memories depicting Sr. Sujata’s wholesome life, in particular her generosity, compassionate love, commitment, simple way of life and friendliness.
Our Sisters from all communities of Notre Dame Visitation province: Mukka, Koramangala, Somanahalli, Chhodasandara and Mysore, in Karnataka; Vasai in Mumbai; Warangal and Theegarajupalli, in Telangana; Pochampally, Tamil-Nadu and Idichakkaplammodu and Vettikuzhy, in Kerala came to attend the funeral Mass and burial service; A number of Sisters from the Assumption-province supported the grieving community by their presence: Sr. Tessy, Sr.Sushma,Sr. Shruti, Sr.Ajita, Sr.Josephine, Sr.Lucy, Sr.Jyosita and her Religious Sister Gene ,Members of neighboring religious communities, friends and associates and acquaintances, parents staff-members and students came in large numbers to pay their respect. The family members from Bangalore, Chennai and Kerala came in time for the services.
At 10:00 a.m. on the 6th of September 2018, the mortal remains were placed to the School Hall. The hope-filled and inspirational back-ground caption, ‘I Am the Resurrection and Life’ and the hymns rendered by the Student- Council and choir added to the profoundness of the sacred gathering. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist began at 11:00 a.m. The funeral Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev. Bernard Moras Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’Souza, the Provincial of the Jesuits, Karnataka Province, Fr. Richard S.J. and Fr. Mani Poovakot S.J. The celebrant in his message highlighted Sr. Sujata’s commitment, simplicity, compassionate love, deep faith and other spiritual qualities. Mr. Philip, Sister Sujata’s nephew and Mrs. Rita Mathew a past staff-member, gave touching testimonies of her love, gentleness and spirit of concern. After the Holy Mass, we all went to St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery for the burial services. It was presided over by Fr. Mani Poovakot. The grace-filled and the gentle presence of our dear departed Sister lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace!
