SR HILDA GOVEAS

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones”. (Psalm: 116:15).

So was the life of Sr Hilda Philomena Goveas pure and faithful who bid Adieu to this earthly journey to be with the Lord in the heavenly abode on 25 April 2025.

She was a teacher, Headmistress and a Superior and she served at Shanthi Convent Shanthipura, Little Flower convent Serchhip, St Philomena’s Convent, Mysuru, St Anne’s Convent, Thottam, Sacred Heart Convent, Lungeli, Giri Jyothi Convent, Kudremukh, Holy Family Convent, Bangalore, Infant Jesus Convent, Chennai, St Joseph’s Convent, Koppa, Maria Niketan, Bogadi, Shanthi Nivas, Nellore Andra Pradesh and Divya Jyothi, Udbur.

She was a woman of deep faith and admirable character. Lovable, responsible, perfectionist, sensitive, truthful, generous, kind, patient and faithful - these qualities shaped her life and deepened her love for the congregation and its mission. Prayer was her greatest strength, a powerful support through every trial and challenge in her religious journey.

Teaching was her true passion. She found great joy in being with students and guiding them with love and dedication. From a young age, she developed a love for reading, listening to music and the Word of God. This passion continued throughout her life, as she spent time reading spiritual books, daily newspapers and other meaningful writings.

She was blessed with many God-given talents namely singing, dancing, acting and she used them with grace and joy. But it was gardening that held a special place in her heart. In nurturing plants and caring for nature, she found a deep way to connect with God and offer praise through the beauty of creation.

In the month of January, 2022, she developed back pain that restricted her mobility and was admitted to St Joseph’s hospital, Mysuru. Here she was diagnosed with Cancer and was immediately shifted to Fr Muller’s hospital Mangalore for further treatment by the former Provincial Superior, Sr Lily Fernandes. Here she was treated by Dr Hemanth Kumar, Oncologist. She was under medication for three years during which she was taken care by the Sisters of Holy Rosary Convent for a year and later by the Sisters of Shalom, Derlakatte for another two years. The PET scan reports after two and half years showed no sign of improvement but the furthering of the disease to the other parts of the body.  Having known her condition Sr Hilda expressed her desire to be in Mysuru, among the Sisters of her Province during the last days of her earthly life. 

To fulfil her wish she was brought to Maria Niketan Spirituality Centre, Bogadi in the month of November 2024. Here, she was given further treatment as per the direction of Dr Hemanth Kumar her Oncologist, during these days, she felt much happier than when she had been undergoing intensive treatment. She kept herself busy, quietly doing her work and steadily improving. Even in those difficult moments, she remained strong and confident and she was always at the foot of the Lord, pouring out her pain and struggles in prayer. As long as she was able to move, she never missed the Holy Eucharist or a visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her deep devotion kept her spiritually strong and she faithfully lived the spirit of Fr Urban Stein, our founder, keeping his mission and vision alive through her life.

As she was deteriorating in her health she was advised for a palliative care and was shifted to St Mary’s Hospital, H D Kote on 20^th March 2025. She was well taken care of by the doctor sisters, the staff and community sisters of Sanjeevini and St Mary’s Convent, H D Kote Sisters of Maria Niketan community accompanied her through frequent visits. Her last few days that were spent in agony were united with the beloved Lord whom she desired and this was very much visible in her intense moment of pain as she was constantly looking up to God in silent prayers.

She was administered the sacrament of the anointing of the sick by Rev Fr. Bernard Prakash Bernis, the Parish Priest of St Mary’s Church, H D Kote.  Her few last moments on earth were accompanied by the visit of Sr Annie M.A, the Provincial Superior and her team, Sr Lily Fernandes and Sisters of Provincialate Community, her family members, Sisters of Maria Niketan, Sanjeevini and H D Kote community.

As the Lord was constantly calling her to be with Him, at 10.40 p.m on 25^th April, 2025 surrounded by the sisters of Sanjeevini, our beloved Sr Hilda breathed her last very peacefully and left us all to live with her Lord eternally and blissfully. As we miss her presence, we thank her for all the good and sweet memories that she has left behind.

On 27^th April, Divine Mercy Sunday her mortal remains were taken to Maria Niketan Convent, Bogadi, and the funeral Mass was celebrated by Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras, the Apostolic Administrator of Mysuru Diocese at 3 p.m along with seven other concelebrants in Maria Niketan Convent Chaple. Her body was interred in Maria Niketan Convent, cemetery. Rev Sr Milly Fernandes the Superior General and her whole team, Sisters of Mangalore, Hubli and a good number of Sisters of Mysuru Province, family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers of Sr Hilda were present to bid her tearful farewell.

"Dear Sr Hilda, may you rest in eternal peace. Your life of service and devotion has been an inspiration to us all. We are grateful for your unwavering faith and the love you shared with everyone. May your soul find solace in the embrace of the divine.”