SR BARBARA FRANKO

‘Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever’ (Daniel 12:3). Blessed is Sr Barbara Franko who shines like the star through her exemplary life of love and dedication to God and His people. After accomplishing the earthly journey she bid farewell to all of us and went to meet her loving Creator to receive her heavenly reward. Born on April 1, 1934, she lived a fruitful life of 91years, and passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025 at 6.15 p.m. at Somarpann Convent surrendering herself into God’s hand.

Sr Barbara was born in Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Belthangady as youngest of 6 children to Mr Piade Franko and Coces D Souza. She was baptized Alice. She completed her primary education in Parish School, Belthangady, High School and Teachers’ Training at Capitanio in Mangalore. In 1958 she felt called by the Lord to religious life and joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, in 1960 made her Temporary profession and dedicated perpetually to the Lord in 1964.

Sr Barbara, being a multi-talented and gifted person served as a dynamic guiding force, skillfully animating communities at Kelarai, Bhatkal, Bolar, Jeppu, Somarpann and Shanthi Farm. She was an efficient headmistress in our schools at Kelarai, Bhatkal and Bolar. She guided her students on the path of righteousness, leaving an indelible legacy in their lives. Through her lessons, she instilled unwavering principles that have remained with her students to this day, who fondly remember and cherish her memory. She inspired many to respond to priestly and religious life. Through her cordial and loving rapport with the children she implanted the love of Christ in their young age and strengthened their faith. While at Vorkady, Sirsi, Tumarikop and Kayyar in the years of her retirement from administrative works she continued her good works to the best of her ability mingling freely with the people, teaching catechism to the children and assisting in any need of the parish. Through her exemplary life she imparted the love of Christ to everyone regardless of caste and creed.

Acknowledging her administrative skills and ability to build constructive support, she was elected Councillor to the Superior General for two consecutive terms from 1980 to 1992. During these years of administration she took keen interest to construct new convent buildings, attended to the works of the temporal affairs of the Congregation and worked tirelessly to implement what was entrusted to her. She was wise and intelligent, disciplinarian and yet compassionate, woman of deep faith and prayerfulness, courageous and hardworking, stern-looking yet humorous, happy and cheerful, loving and generous. In recognition of her selfless dedication and unwavering commitment, God blessed her with a long, healthy and joyful life.

In 2017, Sr Barbara joined Somarpann Novitiate Community for better care since her health was deteriorating due to age-related issues. She inspired the novices and community Sisters through her life of prayer and witness. All the Sisters found comfort and solace in her company. Her passing away was peaceful and serene in the prayerful presence of the Sisters.

Her funeral took place on April 3, 2025 at 3.00 p.m. at Somarpann Novitiate Chapel, Derlakatte. Rev. Fr Daniel Veigus, OP Episcopal Vicar for Religious of Mangalore Diocese, officiated at the Eucharist. Rev. Fr Anil Alfred D Souza, who had the privilege of knowing her well during his time at Kayyar and currently serving as the Parish Priest of Pakshikere, delivered the homily.  Rev. Fr Victor D Mello, Parish Priest of Panir Church, conducted the funeral rites. Rev Fr Clifferd Fernandes Parish Priest, Cordel Church, Rev Fr James D Souza, Parish Priest, Vamajoor Church, Sr Barbara’s students, Fr Avinash D Souza, from Gonzaga, Beeri, and Fr Joel Lopes OFM Cap concelebrated the Eucharist.  Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General and Councilors General, Sr Clara Menezes, Provincial Superior and her Councillors, representatives of all the Provinces, Central Delegation, the Sisters of Mangalore Province, her family members and relatives, her students and Parishioners from Kelarai, were present in large number to pay their homage to Sr Barbara Franko. She was laid to rest in the cemetery of Mangalore Province at Somarpann Novitiate, Deralakatte.