SR HAZIL D SOUZA

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10: 28) are the words of St John the Evangelist which came true in the life of our dear Sr Hazil D’Souza as she accomplished  the earthly journey and bid farewell to us. Sr Hazil was born on 28^th January 1946 to Late Bernard D’Souza and Mercine D’Souza in a God-fearing and devout family. She was the fifth among the eight children. After the completion of primary education at St Lawrence School Karopady and High School education at Sacred Heart School Kulshekar, she joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation on 14^th May 1967. The spirit of prayer, devotion, faithfulness to the Lord and service-mindedness was seen throughout her life.  She made the Temporary Profession on 8^th May 1970 and the Perpetual Profession on 9^th May1975 at Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu. Sr Hazil was a role model to others. As a result, many have responded to God’s call from her family and are now rendering their service in the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. Her elder Sister, Sr Wency (Mary D’Souza) was also a religious Sister who served in the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation and now enjoys the eternal bliss.

Her religious as well as mission life can be compared to a burning candle and bloomed flower which highlight her selflessness and dedication. Just as a candle sacrifices itself to illuminate the darkness around, Sr Hazil has devoted herself to serving the humanity spreading God’s light and hope to those in need. Her actions and spirit enrich the lives of others creating a sense of community and love just like a bloomed flower that enhances the beauty of its garden. This duality emphasizes both her inner strength and faith into the acts of kindness and compassion. After completing the Teachers’ training at St Ann’s Teacher Training Institute, Mangalore, Sr Hazil dedicated herself to the teaching mission. She served at St. Joseph’s School Hunsur for one year and for eighteen long years at Holy Face School Vorkady where she was the community animator for six years. Thereafter for ten years she served at Vijaya Yesu Raj Convent at Kayyar. After her retirement from the teaching apostolate, Sr Hazil dedicated herself towards the agricultural work and farming. For ten years she worked tirelessly at Shanthi Farm, Bagambila.  Sisters are the eye-witnesses for her hard work and spirit of generosity. After one year of service in the Shanthi Dham Convent Derlakatte, she served for eleven years at Bharvasha Nilaya Tumarikop where she was active in pastoral apostolate as well as maintaining the farm after which she rendered her yeomen service in the pastoral apostolate at Christa Seva Nilaya Sirsi for five years.

As per the words of St Mathew the Evangelist, “Store up yourselves treasures in heaven” (Mt 6:20), Sr Hazil emphasized the importance of focusing on spiritual wealth and good deeds rather than material possessions. She embodies the essence of a life lived in devotion and service. Her simplicity and obedience reflect a deep commitment to her faith, while her alertness and affection create a warm and welcoming presence for those around her. Her cheerful demeanor even amidst challenges serves as an inspiration to others, reminding them of the power of positivity. Her generosity and willingness to engage in hard work regardless of the toil highlight her selflessness. She took up each task with a spirit of gratitude, always acknowledging God’s countless blessings. This attitude of praise not only uplifted her own spirit but also encouraged others to recognize the beauty in their lives.  In and through every action Sr Hazil exemplified the values of compassion, resilience and thankfulness that made her a beacon of light in the community where she lived. Her life is a testament to the profound impact a person can have through unwavering faith and dedication to service.

“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled” (Mt 5:5 -6). This statement from the Beatitudes goes well with missionary life of Sr Hazil. The people of Tumarikop called her ‘lover of nature’. Each flower she cultivated was not just a bloom but a heartfelt offering to the altars where she prayed. These vibrant blossoms symbolized her devotion and gratitude transforming her garden into a sacred space that invited reflection and reverence. Her love for nature served as a powerful example of how faith and environment can interlink inspiring others to appreciate and care for the mother earth. Her life was a beautiful testament to living in harmony with creation, showing that every act of kindness towards nature is an act of love towards God. Her compassion extended beyond the circle of human persons and hence reached even to plant and animal world after the example of St Francis of Assisi. Her profound love for flora and fauna manifested that the living creatures, no matter how insignificant they are, played a vital role in the ecosystem. Her unwavering faith in prayer especially in the ‘Litany of Saints’ made her surrender to God’s will and remain serene in sickness and pain. Her deep faith in God and love for her Sisters, people and all living creatures continue to inspire us. She reminds us that ‘there is beauty and purpose even in the midst of pain and suffering’. In her final days, Sr Hazil shared stories and lessons ensuring that her spirit would live on in the heart of those she touched.

As Sr Hazil’s illness came to light, she was treated with utmost urgency, care and diligence at Fr Muller’s hospital with the hope of restoring her to good health.  But her battle with cancer was a difficult one. Though the treatment was rigorous, the disease proved relentless. Although the illness may have taken a toll on her body, it could never diminish the light she brought into the world. After the discharge from the hospital she was shifted to Shalom Convent Derlakatte for further medication and greater care.  The Superior of Shalom Sr Mary Nirmala and Sisters served her with much love and tenderness.  In her pain, quite often, the Superior General Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes and her Councillors visited and accompanied Sr Hazil through their presence and spiritual support.

Her younger brother Johnson as well as the Sisters of Generalate community, Somarpann Covent, Shanthi Dham, Subodhini and the Novices accompanied her in the final journey through their presence and prayers. As she became critical, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was administered to her on 3^rd September. Gradually her end seemed fast approaching. On 10^th September 2024, in the presence of the Superior General and the Sisters of the neighboring communities and the Novices she breathed her last at 3.15pm. Sr Hazil’s funeral rites took place at Holy Rosary Convent Chapel on 11^th September 2024 at 3.00 pm. She was interred in the Cathedral Cemetery Jeppu, Mangalore.