SR ALPHONSA FERNANDES

“Those who love me… I will satisfy them; and show them my salvation” (Ps 91:14,16).  Bravely she held on to a life of 89 fruitful years; This shall be her joy and crown without fears.

As St Paul says: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Our dear Sr Alphonsa Fernandes accomplished the mission the Lord entrusted to her, participated in His pain and agony, and when the Lord beckoned her to Himself to receive the crown of glory, she peacefully began her final journey to the heavenly Jerusalem in this Lenten season, to partake in the resurrection of Jesus for all eternity.

Sr Alphonsa was born on 17^th March 1936 at Kenha Parish, Udupi Diocese. She was the youngest among the seven children, born to late Antony Fernandes and late Regina D’Souza who were devout and caring parents. She was baptized as Emilian Fernandes. She pursued her early education at St Francis Xavier, Kenha, then high school at Admar, PUC and BSc at St Agnes College, Bendur Mangalore.

On 1^st June 1955 she responded to God’s call and joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. In 1957 she made her Temporary Profession and in 1962 she committed herself totally to the Lord through her Perpetual Profession.

Through her fiat, she lived out the true essence of religious life, daily embodying complete surrender showing humility in service, courage in leadership and love in action.  In her 68 years of religious life, she played various roles such as Superior, Teacher, Administrator, Procurator General, Historian and  Councillor General for Temporal Goods. She pursued Blood Bank & Clinical Technique at Armed Force Medical College, Pune and Religious pastoral course at East Asian Pastoral Institute, Philippines, Manila. She also worked for 10 years as a Lab Technician, in Fr Muller’s Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore. She served at Hunsur, Jeppu, Bejai, Bolar, Belthangady, Naganahalli, Kengeri and at Maria Kripa Provincialate Mysore.

Sr Alphonsa was a remarkable person, a blend of discipline and principles who deeply respected the rich traditions and heritage of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. She understood that the legacy of the Congregation was not just a history to be remembered but a way of life to be lived and passed on. To realize this, she strived hard to inculcate Gospel values in youngsters at an early stage of their lives.

Rooted in deep prayer she has guided many to grow in close relationship with God. Her daring courage in facing challenges and her unwavering trust in divine providence inspired those around her. Her administrative and leadership qualities were shown in her wise suggestions and bold decisions. As a teacher and formator, she nurtured the minds and hearts, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and inspiration. Her keen intellect and historical insights in preserving the rich heritage of our Congregation made her an invaluable person for the Ursuline Franciscans. 

The beneficiaries of Sr Alphonsa hold her in great regard. They fondly remember her commitment, sacrifices and availability to the mission of God amidst adversaries and inconveniences of life. Busy though she may be, she found time for hobbies such as enjoying the nature, reading books and writing articles for magazines and periodicals. We appreciate her unique contributions in the Congregational literature, namely Little Lamp in 1978 and Branch of the Vine, Fruit of the Branch, History of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in 1991.

She had special love for Pastoral Apostolate. She supported the Parish Priests by catechising the children and adults. Being nearly 30 years in Hunsur, she has visited almost all the families in and around Hunsur irrespective of caste and religion, rich and poor, spent time to listen to their struggles and giving guidance were truly commendable.

The hall mark of her consecrated life was her love for the poor and the needy, which she demonstrated through her noble works. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Mt 6:3). This was truly practiced by Sr Alphonsa as she had concern and soft corner towards the poor and helped them secretly. 

God out of His benevolence granted her 89 years of long contented life. She was quite vibrant and active except for the last 3 years during which her physical strength began to deteriorate.  Since then, Sisters and supportive staffs of St Joseph community attended to her, strengthened her through their care, prayers and presence. Sr Alphonsa dearly loved her family members and took keen interest in their well being.  The timely visits of her family members and their kind words gave her immense joy and comfort. In her sickness she showed tremendous patience, during her intense suffering never complained about anything. She bore all her physical ailments with deep faith and trust in her beloved Master.  Her total surrender to God’s will and plan was reflected in her serene countenance, an expression of ‘God’s all sufficing love’ for her.

On 18^th Feb 2025, she was admitted at St Mary’s Hospital, H.D Kote to treat her for the gangrene.  After showing improvement in her health she was brought back to the community but she did not show a stable heath condition. Hence on 9^th March 2025, as her condition became very critical, Rev. Fr George Martiz the Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier Church Hunsur was called to confer the Sacrament of Anointing the sick. Dr Sr Amitha Lobo also visited the Community and gave her needed medical assistance. Towards the evening she became very feeble. Knowing that her time had come to receive her final reward, the Sisters of the Community were around her supporting her through their prayers. In their presence she surrendered her soul to her beloved God, whom she dearly loved. Sr Alphonsa now rests in God’s abode having fulfilled her mission with love and dedication.  Her legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to follow in her footsteps.

A requiem Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr George Martiz, the Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier’s Church, Hunsur on 10^th March at 9 a.m for the departed soul of Sr Alphonsa Fernandes along with Rev. Fr George CMI. 

Sr Alponsa’s mortal remains were brought to Maria Niketan Chapel, Bogadi on 11^th March at 1 p.m. The funeral Mass was celebrated at 3 p.m. presided over by Most Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, The Apostolic Administrator of Mysore Diocese along with 13 other concelebrants. Good number of Sisters of the Province, Sisters from Generalate, Mangalore and Hubli Province, Central delegation, European Region, family members of Sr Alponsa and people of good will of Mysore where she gave her service accompanied her during her final journey and paid their last respects. She was laid to rest at Maria Niketan Cemetery Bogadi, Mysuru.