SR MAUDE RODRIGUES

 “There will come a time when one believes everything is finished: that will be the beginning” says Louis L’Amour. With the death of Sr Maude it seems that everything of her life came to an end; but, Christian faith teaches us that with physical death there begins a new life – the unending experience of life with God. Sr Maude entered that uninterrupted God- experience with her death on July 13, 2024 at the age of 90 years.

Sr Maude Rodrigues whose baptismal name was Alice Rodrigues was born in a devote family of Joachim Michael Rodrigues and Seraphine Rodrigues of Gurpur of Mangalore Diocese as the last child among five children on 3^rd June 1934. She grew up amidst very loving siblings and God fearing- family atmosphere. The family was spiritually rich and unwavering in faith. Little Alice imbibed this faith and fostered it through her prayers. After completing her High School Education she responded to the call of God and joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in the year in 1964. She made her First Profession in 1966 and Perpetual Profession in 1972 and committed herself  totally to the service of God.

Sr Maude was a kindergarten teacher all through her teaching ministry. “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 19: 14). True to these words Sr Maude loved the children and catered to their educational as well as spiritual needs in the schools and boarding homes. “My Children have little hands and big heart; I am proud to be a kindergarten teacher”, were her expressions every time with a smile of fulfillment on her face. Being 50 years of teacher she truly loved children - singing, dancing, playing and laughing with them. She became a mother to them after the example of our patroness St Angela Merici. As well said “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts, is the best”. She sowed in those tiny hearts seeds of love and faith in God. Besides this she was well known for her service in the church; arranging the altars, catechizing the students and leading the sodalities. Sr Maude was gifted with melodious voice which she made use of to sing the praises of God in the church. She had skillful hands through which she made beautiful crafts and flowers to adorn the House of God. She was simple in nature and gifted with skill of conversation through which she made good number of friends wherever she lived.

Sr Maude rendered her service at Naganahalli, Suntikoppa, Hirebile, Hunsur, Thirthahalli, Gundlupet, Hanur and Bogadi. She was ever there to help the Sisters in all possible ways. She kept close contact with all the Sisters and prayed particularly for their intentions.  Her final days

 

were spent in Naganahalli since 2013 for 11 years, which she made fruitful through her praying ministry. She had a filial devotion to the Eucharist, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mother Mary. When it was impossible to go to the church due to age related inabilities she was listening to the Mass through the convent window and prepare herself for the reception of the Eucharist. A day without Eucharist was the like the day of fast for her. She had made her life a fountain of prayer. Through the intercession of St Antony she prayed for the various intentions of the Congregation, families and world at large.

She was cheerful, orderly, calm and peaceful, charitable and patient, kind and compassionate. She esteemed the virtue of forgiveness highly. She humbled herself to ask forgiveness even from her younger Sisters in the community.  She kept herself vibrant and active, very sharp in memory; she could recognize every one and pray for them. Being a soft spoken person through her tender and affectionate words she would make everyone feel at home. Being good in cooking she prepared delicious food and served the guest hospitably. She always said good about others and encouraged everyone to grow in the love of God. Especially when she was a member of the novitiate community, she was an inspiration to the novices through her spirit of prayer and gentleness. She loved the poor and simple ones. She secretly helped the poor from her personal resources when she visited the families. She never complained and had no demands, flexible at all times. Sisters of the Community felt that she is a living Saint.

Sr Maude enjoyed good health till 90 except for diabetes and hypertension.  Since a week she developed fever and was treated by Dr Sr Amitha Lobo for the same. Though she recovered from fever, her body became very weak and when unable to move she was shifted to St Mary’s Community Health Center, H D Kote  for further medical care on 8^th July, 2024.  Since she was not responding for any medical assistance and her health was declining she was anointed with the sacrament of Anointing of the sick by Rev Fr Bernard Prakash Bernis on 9^th July.  For last 5 days she was very serene and peaceful taking part in the suffering of Christ. On 13^th July Saturday 2024  at 11.08 am she gently winged to her master to whom she committed her entire life in the presence of  Sr Assisia and Sisters of the neighboring Community. Rev Fr Bernard Prakash Bernis Parish Priest of St Mary’s Church H D Kote and Rev Fr Anthony Swamy Parish Priest of Naganahalli parish blessed her mortal remains.

Sr Maude’s mortal remains were brought to Maria Niketan Convent, Bogadi on 15^th of July at 1.00 pm. The funeral Mass was celebrated at 3.00 pm presided over by Rev Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, ofm Cap, Rector of Kripalaya, Mysore along with 9 other concelebrants. Good number of Sisters of the Province, Sisters from Generalate, Mangalore Province and Central Delegation, family members of Sr Maude accompanied her during her final journey and paid their last respects. She was laid to rest at Maria Niketan Convnet Cemetery, Bogadi.

Dear Sr Maude, you continue to live with us as a loving witness of joy and resignation to the will of God. Your life is a beautiful gift to the Ursuline Franciscan family. Your missionary zeal and loving service will be cherished by all who have been your beneficiaries and those who lived and interacted with you. We take comfort in believing that we have an angel in heaven to watch over us and intercede for us. You live in our hearts!