sr niniana Therese

‘With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation’ Ps 91:16. These words are applicable to Sr Ninian Therese, having lived her fruitful and graceful life joyfully for 91 years. Her baptismal name was Kochu Therese P.J. Born on 04.08.1932 to Mr Augustine John and Mariamma as a fourth child among the five siblings. This God-fearing family lived in Travancore, Kodamangalum Diocese, Kerala. After her high School studies, the young and energetic Kochu Therese joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in the year 1954 at Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu, made her Temporary Profession on 29.05.1956. Her faith, dedicated service and love for the Lord enabled her to make her Perpetual Profession on 06.05.1959.

She was a woman of prayer, deeply convinced that communion with the Lord is the secret of her happy life. She would never miss community prayer. She had no complaint of any sort in her life, no demands what so ever. She lived a simple life, gentle in dealings, obedient to the authority, sensitive to the needs of others. She always remained calm, peaceful, serene and contented in any situation. She was broad minded to adapt herself to Konkani culture and the language.

 As an energetic and spirit filled Ursuline Franciscan Sr Ninian, served the people of God at Hunsur, Panir, Vorkady, Bolar, Kallianpur, Shirthady, Loretto, Fajir, Karopady, Uppinangady and Sullia. At the evening of her life, she spent 13 years in Somarpann Convent, Derlakatte and from past two years she was confined to bed due to varicose disease and on July 6^th, 2023 just before she breathed her last she savoured the affection, love and prayers of her family members and at 4.45 pm a serene joy enveloped her face as a sign of eternal bliss in the presence of the Superior and community Sisters.

 ‘The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention’- Oscar Wilde.   This is very much true in the life Sr Ninian. She had the joy of preparing delicious dishes and found real happiness within her seeing the Sisters relishing the food. The peculiarity of her consecrated life was being joyful as religious and hospitality to everyone. We the entire Ursuline Franciscan family especially the Mangalore Province thank God for the gift of her unassuming person and for all her selfless service and the prayerful support rendered to  the Congregation, Church and society at large.

Her funeral took place on 7^th July 2023 at 3.00 p.m. at Somarpann Novitiate Chapel, Derlakatte. Rev. Fr Daniel Veigus OP, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Mangalore Diocese along with other 3 concelebrants officiated the Eucharist and broke the Word of God, Fr Alwyn D’Souza SJ from Gonzaga Community, Beeri conducted the funeral rites. Rev Sr Milly Fernandes, our dear Superior General and the Councilors General, Sr Clara Menezes our Provincial Superior and the Councilors, family members of Sr Ninian, the Sisters of all the Provinces and Central delegation were present for the Funeral service. She was laid to rest in the cemetery of Mangalore Province at Somarpann Novitiate, Deralakatte.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon her, may she rest in peace. Amen.