SR LEONORA MENEZES

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.  So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Rom 14/8). Sr Leonora Menezes’ remarkable life was a masterful expression of devotion to God, as she surrendered every moment to His loving plan. And now, in her glorious passing she has entered into the eternal joy of His presence. With each breath she affirmed God’s sovereignty, and her extraordinary death has forever sealed her legacy of trust.

 Sr Leonora was born on 27^th August 1939 as the eighth child of 9 children to Mr Peter Menezes and Mrs Seraphine Colaco belonging to Nithyadhar Parish, Gantalkatte. Her baptismal name was Dorothy Menezes. She grew up amidst a very loving and God-fearing family. One of her brothers was a Tahsildar and another one served in Indian Army, other five brethren were teachers. Rev. Fr Freddie Menezes S.J, Sr Nora Noronha B.S. and Dr Ronald Colaco, were few among her cousins. Their contributions to the Church, society and nation were remarkable. Sr Leonora became a great strength to the family through her prayers, as a counselor, and guide.

 Sr Leonora commenced her educational journey in primary School, Gantalkatte, pursued her secondary education at Jain High School in Moodbidri, and completed her teacher’s training in Balmatta. As she navigated her educational journey a profound calling began to stir within her, a desire to dedicate her life to the service of the divine and joined Ursuline Franciscan Congregation at Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu on June 1, 1959. She committed herself fully for the love of God and for the service of the people through Temporary Vows in 1961 and Perpetual Vows in 1965.

Sr Leonora devoted herself to a life of service in Sacred Heart Convent Hirebile, Assisi Convent Thirthahalli, St Therese Convent Belthangady, Avila Convent Narampady, Holy Face Convent Vorkady, Vijaya Jesu Raj Convent Kayyar. As a teacher, she taught with passion and dedication, imparting knowledge and wisdom with love and kindness. In the church, she served as Sacristan, ensuring the sanctity and beauty of the worship space. Through her funeral ministry, she walked with those who mourned, offering gentle guidance and support. She would offer two masses a day, offering one for the Souls in purgatory, which she chose as her mission. Additionally, she actively participated in various programmes and events, always seeking opportunities to serve and uplift others.  Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy continues to inspire and uplift others.

Sr Leonora’s impact on her students was profound and lasting. Though she may have held their hands for a season she captured their hearts forever. Her true passion was catechizing and preparing young souls for their First Communion. As a testament to her dedication and guidance, many students have become priests and religious, crediting her influence and example as catalyst for their own vocational journeys. She beamed with pride at their success, treating each student like her own child. To them Sr Leonora was a mentor, confidant and loving mother figure. Her own heart overflowing with positivity, she nurtured a sense of hope and possibility in those around her, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

In 1994 in her retirement, she served in Somarpann Novitiate Derlakatte, Dolours Convent Karopady, Deepanjali Convent Alanahalli, Mysore, Holy Rosary Convent Jeppu, Jyothi Nilaya Talapady, Assisi Nilaya, Vorkady and Shanthi Nilaya, Bagambila. In these places Sr Leonora discovered a new sense of purpose and delight in the gentle art of gardening. Her garden became a sanctuary a place where she could unwind and connect with world around her. Her love for gardening is a reflection of her love for life itself. In 2018 she was transferred to St Ursula Convent, Bolar and was active till her death. In 1980 Sr Leonora met with an accident and almost declared dead. She received a remarkable gift a second chance to live life of God’s miraculous intervention and granted her 85 years of fruitful ministry. On 19^th August 2024 early morning she got up at 5 a.m. and washed her face, after which she went to the wash room for the physical needs and there the death was waiting for her. She had a massive cardiac arrest and left us, all of a sudden. 

On 20^th August her body was kept for the public viewing on request at St Ursula Convent, Bolar from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Many people from Rosario Cathedral Parish flocked to see her and to bid good bye. The UFLA members of St Ursula Convent, Bolar prayed over her and bid adieu through flowers, prayers and Eulogy.

Sr Leonora’s mortal remains were brought to Somarpann Novitiate Convent Chapel, Derlakatte at 1.30 p.m. on 20^th August 2024. Her relative Fr Ajith Menezes, Administrator, Fr Muller’s Medical College Hospital, Kankanady, officiated at the Eucharistic Celebration at 3.30 p.m., her student Fr Maxim D’Souza, Parish Priest at St Joseph Church, Jeppu, preached an enriching homily, Fr Alfred J. Pinto, Parish Priest and Rector of Rosario Cathedral, Mangalore blessed the mortal remains. Fr Daniel, OP Episcopal Vicar for Religious, her Cousin Fr Freddie Menezes S.J., Fr Pradeep Sequeira, S.J., Fr Balraj S.J., Fr Roshan Pereira S.J. Coordinator of AIMIT, Beeri, Fr Faustine Lobo, Designate Director Fr Muller Charitable Institutions, Fr Praveen D Souza, Parish Priest, Manjotti, Fr Vinod Lobo, Socius Rosario Cathedral, concelebrated the Eucharist. Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General, Rev. Sr Clara Menezes, Provincial Superior and their council, Sr Annie M.A.Vice Provincial of Mysore Province, and large number of Sisters, UFLA members, Relatives of Sr Leonora, students and people from different Parishes were present for the funeral. Her Body was interred in the Somarpann Novitiate Cemetery, Derlakatte.          

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in Peace. Amen.