SR MERYLINE FERNANDES

Fr Edward Saldanha, the Secretary of MDES (Mysuru Diocesan Educational Society), the former Parish Priest of Suntikoppa began his sermon with the above words and put us on reflective mood on the passing away of Sr Maryline and our attitude towards the death of a saintly person like her whom we loved dearly.   

 

“To be Saints is not a privilege for the few but a vocation for everyone”- Pope Francis.  Sr Maryline Fernandes who always considered her vocation was to become a saint lived her life to the fullest, purified herself like gold tested in fire for the past few years through immense suffering and pain  and slipped into eternity to be numbered among the saints on 9^th of December 2024 at 5.00 am at St Clare’s Convent, Suntikoppa.

 

Sr Meryline was born on the 5^th of January 1937 in a village named Bellur, in Bantwal, Mangalore Diocese. Her earthly journey began under the loving care of her devoted parents Mr Anthony Camil Fernandes and Mrs Christina Rebello. She was the 2^nd child among the six in Fernandes family.

 

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last” –John15:16. From a young age her life was marked by profound devotion to God and a passionate love for children. She nurtured her vocation to religious life from a very young age  joined the Ursuline Sisters to serve the Lord with all her heart. With unwavering dedication she pursued her religious formation in Ursuline Franciscan way of life.  She made her first profession on May 29, 1956 and committed herself permanently through the perpetual profession on May 8, 1960 at Holy Rosary Convent Jeppu.

 

“Well done good and faithful servant” –Mt 25:23. Her religious journey was adorned with numerous apostolic works, from 1956 – 2024. As a dedicated teacher she  served Mother of Mercy Convent, Fajir, St Clare Convent, Suntikoppa, St  Josephs Convent, Hunsur, Nirmala Convent, Gundlupet,  Shanthi Convent, Shanthipura,  Christaraja Convent, Naganahalli, and as a headmistress at Nirmala Convent, Balehonnur and Assisi Convent, Thirthahalli. In her 40 years of service as a teacher, she touched the lives and shaped the minds of hundreds of children. She had helped, encouraged, supported, inspired, motivated and guided students towards achieving their full potential. Her life was a testament to Christ’s love and a profound legacy of service.  She is fondly remembered by Ursuline Franciscan family, her siblings, the extended family members, students and friends for her commitment to work and mission.

 

Sr Maryline was always cheerful, soft-spoken, orderly, peaceful and patient. She had a positive outlook, respected and treated every one with dignity. Jovial and humorous she added joy in the life of others. Very warm, cordial and friendly to everyone, a fulfilled, contended person she had no complaints of anything. Those who came to visit her enjoyed her company sitting with her for hours. Her focus was always on Spiritual richness, and sought communion with God at all moments. After every Eucharist, she had the habit of coming back to her room and thanking and praising the Lord in silence. She was courageous and fought her fight till the end with strong determination, faith and prayer. Her trust in God and devotion to Mother Mary kept her ever vibrant.

 

For the past 2 years she suffered with uterus problem which had reached the stage of beyond treatment and cure. She was treated with medication by Doctor Sisters and the team at St Mary’s Community Health Center, H.D.Kote.  For the past two months she became very weak, unable to walk or move. Sisters of St Clare’s community took loving care of her and kept giving her company. In the first week of December her health was deteriorating, and she did not respond to any medication. Sisters of the Community spent time with her in prayer day and night, as they foresaw that her time to go to the Lord was nearing. God saw she was getting tired, weak and helpless and a cure was not to be; so He put his arms around her gently and whispered come to me.

 

On 9^th morning at 5a.m after receiving Holy Communion she breathed her last and surrendered herself totally to God in the presence of the Community sisters who were continuously in prayer. A golden heart stopped beating. With tearful eyes the Sisters watched her suffering and saw her fade away slowly and peacefully. Although they loved her dearly, they couldn’t make her stay.

 

A requiem Mass was offered for the soul of Sr Maryline at St Antony’s  Church, Suntikoppa on 9^th at 3.00 am officiated by the Parish Priest Rev Fr Vijaykumar. Priests from the neighbourhood, Parishioners of Suntikoppa, UFLA members and Sisters of Suntikoppa, Hunsur and Bogadi were present.

 

On 10^th at 1.30 pm her body was brought to Maria Niketan Convent, Bogadi and kept in the Community Hall to pay the last respects. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 3.00 pm officiated by Rev Msgr Alfred John Mendonca, the Vicar General of Mysore Diocese and concelebrated by 8 other priests. Fr Edward Saldanha who was closely associated with her at Suntikoppa broke the word of God. Rev Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General, Sr Rita Vas, the Assistant General, Sr Clara Menezes, the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province, Sisters of Mangalore, Hubli, North East Province and good number of the Sisters of Mysore Province took part in the final journey of Sr Maryline and bid her good bye.

 

Fr Alfred John Mendonca conducted the funeral rites. She is interred in Maria Niketan Cemetery, Bogadi. 

 

Dear Sr Maryline, you continue to live with us as a loving witness of joy and surrender to the will of God. You 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 forever. Thank you for your inspiring and emulating life. Rest in peace, dear Sr Maryline!