Sr Sereena D Souza

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Mt 5: 5-8).

The life of Sr. Sereena D’Souza was obviously founded on the teachings of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, in particular as she tried to integrate the virtues of meekness, mercy and pure heart. Many have experienced her mercy during her lifetime. She has won the hearts and minds of many because of her meekness and kindness. Because she was pure in heart, she has won the reward of seeing God face to face too. 

Sr Sereena D’Souza was born of John Dsouza and Florine Vas at St Joseph the Worker, Neermarga Parish in Mangalore Diocese on April 25, 1943. Her baptismal name was Lilliana. She was the first and only daughter among the four children. Her brother Mr Cyril D’Souza died just One month ago on October 14, 2022. The other two brothers Mr Francis DSouza and Mr Victor DSouza are in Mumbai and Newzeland respectively. She had Fr Joseph Lobo S.J., Fr Henri Vas ofm cap, Sr Loretta, Tarbs and Sr Juliana Vas Holy Spirit Sister as her Cousins. 

Sr Sereena D’Souza did her Primary Education at St Ligoury Hr. Pry. School, Neermarga and completed her High School Studies in Sacred Heart High School, Cordel, Mangalore. Thereafter she studied the professional teachers training at Capitanio, Mangalore. At the age of 20 years God called her to religious life to be His witness in this world. Through the guidance of her aunt Sr Collette Vas UFS, she joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in the year 1964. After undergoing the religious training she pronounced her Temporary Vows for the first time in 1966 and Perpetual Vows in 1972. Thus she offered herself completely to the Service of God and His people. 

Sr Sereena D’Souza was a good administrator. She worked in the capacity of headmistress in Nirmala Convent School, Balehonnur for 10 years, in St. Mary’s School, Thirthahalli for 6 years, in St. Joseph Convent Hr. Pry. School, Hunsur for 10 years, and in St Michael’s School, Shanthinagar, Hubli for 9 years. She was promoted as High School teacher and worked as High School teacher in Amruthlalji High school, Kelarai ,

Mangalore  for  5 years and in Lourdes High School, Bejai ,Mangalore for 6 years. After her retirement she worked as a clerk in Anand Ashram Composite P.U. College, Bhatkal for 9 years. 

Sr Sereena D’Souza was simple, kind, merciful and humble. She was a loving and kind teacher to the students. As an administrator she has accomplished many things with the strength of prayer. It was she who started St Joseph English and Kannada High School at Hunsur and worked for it strenuously. She was successful in constructing buildings for schools and convents, providing water facility and other needed physical facilities, clearing the litigations and land disputes. Her handwriting was legible and her record keeping was systematic. She loved her teachers and students and cared for their needs. She was a talented teacher. Along with academic studies she gave importance to teaching catechism and moral education. She loved to work in the parish and would not miss any opportunity of serving at the altar. She was a woman of prayer. With all the work she never missed her prayers. 

Sr Sereena was suffering from diabetes from many years. She was carefully taking her medicine too. In the month of March 2022 her sickness grew worse and she was admitted to Fr Muller’s Hospital Kankanady, Mangalore and was  treated there for 15 days. Later as she had to undergo dialysis twice a week. She was brought to Shanthidham Provincialate, Deralakatte. As she was found with blocks in the heart she was admitted to K.S. Hegde, Hospital, Deralakatte on 5^th December and she underwent Angioplasty on 9^th December. God had his own plans. Nobody expected the sudden call of Sr Sereena. On 10^th December 2022 at 12.45 am she breathed her last and her beautiful soul flew to her creator. 

Her funeral took place on 11^th December 2022 at 3p.m. at Somarpan Novitiate Chapel, Derlakatte. Rev. Fr Joseph Lobo S.J. her cousin officiated at the Eucharist. Fr John Vas of Fr Muller Homeopathic Hospital conducted the funeral rites. Fr Jaison Martis S.J  concelebrated the Mass. Fr Victor D’Mello, Parish Priest of Panir parish, Fr Anil D’Mello the parish priest of Neermarga parish and Fr Roshan Crasta of Fr Muller  Homeopathic Medical College paid the condolence visit. Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes Superior General and Councilors General, Provincial Superiors of Mysore, North, North East, Hubli, delegate Superior and their Councillors, Sr Clara Menezes  Provincial Superior and her  Councilors and all the Sisters of all the Provinces, were present. She was laid to rest in the cemetery of Mangalore Province at Somarpann Novitiate,  Deralakatte.