SR CHARLOTTE D SOUZA

These words of the Psalmist seem to have had a great influence on the life journey of our dear Sr Charlotte as she like a brave and noble soldier ran her race, fought her fight with steady focus on her only refuge and shield, her beloved Master and Lord, to whom she had committed her entire life.

Sr Charlotte D’Souza, was born on December 19, 1947, in a devout family of Mr. Baptist D Souza and Mrs Mary Magdalene Monteiro, at Karopady, Vijayadka in the Diocese of Mangalore. At Baptism she was named as Seraphine. She grew up with her nine siblings, eight brothers and one sister. She was the fifth child in the D’Souza family.

Young Charlotte, responded to the Ursuline Fraciscan way of life at the age of sixteen after her matriculation and joined the Congregation in 1966 at Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu, Mangalore.

After completing her period of formation, she made her temporary profession on May 8, 1970 and committed herself permanently through the perpetual profession on May 10, 1975 at Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu, Mangalore.

Sr Charlotte a joyful, committed religious began her mission as a teacher in 1973 and continued till her formal retirement from school in 2008. She served at Shanthi Convent, Shanthipura, Fathima Convent Hubli, St Joseph’s Convent, Hunsur, Maria Nilaya Kengeri, and Holy Family Convent, Kengeri, Bangalore

She was a committed teacher, hard worker, loved her colleagues and students. She had keen interest in the poor and backward students and spent her evening hours after the school taking special classes. She was ever ready to help any student who was in need and was loved very much by the staff. After her retirement she made herself available for any apostolic work in the parish or

 

of the community. She continued her mission of catechising children in the school as well as parish. She would make use of her time stitching, assisting in the kitchen, gardening and attending to the community services. She was very close to nature having a ‘green thumb’; and whatever she nurtured had a healthy growth.

Sr Charlotte was always cheerful, orderly, peaceful and patient. She was very courageous who fought her fight till the end with the strong determination, faith and prayer. Her trust in God and devotion to Mother Mary kept her ever cheerful and vibrant despite of her long period of illness. There was no complaint, no resentment, no bitterness but always positive and her ability to endure was admirable. She had a pleasant personality, warm and friendly and it was delightful to be in her company. People who took care of her always felt good and loved to be at her side.

For the past two years Sr Charlotte was undergoing Kidney dialysis at Nikara Diagnostic Center, Kengeri thrice a week, which was a long and painful process after which she used to be very much exhausted and tired, but always had a smile on her face and no one would say that she was sick. As someone rightly said she had an angelic smile on her face. Even her doctor who treated her would call her, “Amma”. Her patience, spirit of prayer and sense of gratitude were witnessed by everyone who attended on her or visited her during her sickness.

The past two years of life was for her like testing in the furnace. She must have been truly purified like gold in the fire and her goodness began to shine even in those intense sufferings. Her expression was a quiet surrender to God’s will. On 13^th morning she got ready for her regular dialysis. Even though she looked sick and tired there was no alternative but take her to the dialysis centre for the process which could not be postponed.  She was accompanied by Sr Veena Cutinha, her community member to the dialysis Centre. During the dialysis she complained of chest pain and was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital for further care. Sr Jane Crasta her Superior and Sr Veena were beside her. In spite of all attempts by the doctors to revive her she breathed her last at 11.15 am surrendering her sickness and  suffering to the Crucified  Lord and passed away peacefully to the Land of the living where there is no sickness, no sorrow and no more pain.

Sr Charlotte’s  mortal remains were brought to Maria Niketan Convent, Bogadi on 15^th September at 2.00 pm.  The funeral Mass was celebrated at 3.30 pm presided over by Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of  Mysore Diocese with seven other concelebrants. Good number of Sisters of the Province, Sisters from Generalate, Central Delegation, Mangalore and Hubli Province, family members and the batchmates of Sr Charlotte accompanied her during her final journey and paid their last respects.  Most Rev. Dr Bernard Moras conducted the funeral rites. She is laid to rest at Maria Niketan Convent Cemetery, Bogadi.

 

Dear Sr Charlotte, as you return to the loving arms of your heavenly Father with faith in the resurrection, we bid farewell to you.  We take comfort in the memories of your remarkable life. Your tireless dedication, silent suffering, generous heart, godly smile have left an indelible mark on our lives. May you rest in eternal peace and may your example continue to inspire us to live with love, kindness and patience. As you enter the gates of heaven may the angles await your arrival ready to welcome you, Home. As you were you will always be treasured in our memory. Good bye to you till we meet again. May God grant you eternal bliss!