Sr BEATRICE D SILVA

“Keep yourself as a pilgrim and a stranger upon earth, to whom the affairs of this world do not in the least belong. Keep your heart free and raised upwards to God” says Thomas à Kempis in his book The Imitation of Christ. These words of his encourage us to focus on our hope on a future that the Risen Lord offers us.  They persuade us to affirm what the author of the Letter to the Hebrews says, ‘we have no lasting abode here’ (Heb 13:14). With this pilgrim spirit, our dear Sr Beatrice D’Silva journeyed through her earthly life, ever conscious that her true home was in God. Born as a pilgrim destined for eternity, she lived with a heart detached from worldly pursuits and wholly oriented toward the Divine.

Being wholly committed to the Lord, Sr Beatrice remained equally committed to prayer and her duties, faithfully carrying them out even up to the age of 91. In doing so, she set a noble example for the younger Sisters of the Congregation. She was a woman of passion and dedication, always eager to learn and to keep herself updated in every matter that concerned social, health and religious life. Sr Beatrice carried a deep and genuine concern for people, the Congregation and the Church. Wherever she lived, she reached out to others with warmth, listened to them with understanding, and left a lasting imprint on their hearts. She was particularly attentive to matters related to land and building, and worked tirelessly, often on her knees seeking God’s help to resolve every issue that was a concern of the Province/Congregation. She was courageous and risk-taking in her words and actions, standing firm for what was right and just.

A woman of audacity, yet firm in faith and a profound trust in the Divine providence. Her spiritual reliance on God was deep and unwavering. She offered the first fruits of the garden at the feet of the Lord, and placed all her intentions, concerns, and even the land documents with issues at the feet of Mother Mary, trusting completely in her maternal help. Sr Beatrice was brisk and active, attending to the medical need of each Sister in the community, teaching adult catechism, finding joy in caring for the garden, taking care of the domestic animals and managing household responsibilities with meticulous care. She practiced a warm and generous hospitality; no guest ever left her presence empty-handed. She always had something to offer them, and her kind heart attracted many who visited her regularly, often bringing gifts out of love and affection for her. She has left behind a beautiful legacy of love, sacrifice, care, dedication, and faithfulness, values that continue to inspire all who knew her.

Sr Beatrice was a woman of knowledge and wisdom, and she gratefully embraced every opportunity to upgrade herself, especially in the field of health, education and service. She holds a special place in the history of the Congregation as the first trained nurse, having completed her nursing studies at Fr Muller’s Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore from 1959 to 1962. In 1972, she completed a course in Farm Management at Allahabad Agriculture Institute, enriching her understanding of agricultural development. Recognizing her fervour, dedication, and enthusiasm for mission and service, in 1975, she was selected to pursue further training at Coady International College, Canada.  Later, from 1982 onwards, she pursued higher studies in Health and Development at INSA (Indian National Science Academy) - Bangalore further equipping herself for effective ministry.

She rendered her dedicated service in various communities of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. Her ministry began in 1958 at St Clare Convent, Suntikoppa, Coorg; where she served wholeheartedly. She then continued her mission as a teacher and warden at Sacred Heart Convent, Hirebile; and later as a teacher at St Joseph Convent, Hunsur. She served as Superior in several communities while simultaneously contributing as a teacher and actively engaging in health and social development work. She rendered six years of committed service as Superior at St Mary’s Convent, H.D. Kote. She also served for seven years at Kamala Nivas, Jompanahalli - Mysore where she fulfilled her responsibilities as Superior and continued her teaching and social development ministry. Her leadership extended to Anand Ashram Convent, Ternamakki, where she served as Superior for three years. She also offered guidance and care as Superior at Bharvasha Nilaya, Tumarikop, and later at Fatima Convent, Keshwapur, Hubli and St Michael Convent, Shanthi Nagar, Hubli where, apart from her health and social development initiatives, she took responsibility for overseeing the construction work of the convent buildings.

In the last month of her life, Sr Beatrice’s health began to decline. Noticing that she was unwell, the Superior of St Michael Convent, Sr Lolita Monis, took her to the nearby hospital. After the scans were done, it came to light that she was suffering from cancer. For better treatment, she was brought to Mangalore, where she was attended to by Dr Krishna Prasad. However, it soon became clear that the illness had already set in deeply and had spread rapidly, and no medicine could hold it back. God’s plan was different. As her health condition became critical, she was administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick on 14^th and 19^th November. None of us ever imagined that we would lose her so soon, but the Lord had taken her to His heavenly Kingdom. During her last days, she suffered intensely. On 18^th November, she became silent and felt breathlessness, and on 19^th November 2025, at 11.00 a.m., she breathed her last and offered her soul peacefully to God. On 21^st November 2025, the funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr Thomas Sequeira SVD, her grandnephew along with the other Priests, in the presence of the Sisters of the Congregation, family members, parishioners from Hubli and Mysore and all those who loved and cherished her. The homily was preached by Rev. Fr Daniel Veigas the Episcopal Vicar for the Diocese of Mangalore, and the last rites were offered by Rev. Fr Paul Sequeira her relative. Her mortal remains were laid to rest at the Cathedral Cemetery, Jeppu.  With prayers and gratitude, she was commended to the eternal care of God.

Our Superior General Very Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes and her Councillors, Provincial Superiors of Mangalore and Mysore Provinces and their Councillors, Sisters from Hubli, Mangalore, Mysore, North and North East Provinces, Central Delegation and European Region and her family members were present for the funeral service. As we thank God for the gift of Sr Beatrice D’Silva to our Congregation and the Province, we are grateful to her family members for offering her precious gift to our Congregation and the Church.

The words from the gospel of St Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth” – truly reflect the life and spirit of Sr Beatrice. She was indeed a source of strength, flavour, and witness to the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. Now she has departed from this earthly journey and has entered the cradle of heaven, resting in the eternal embrace of the Lord she faithfully served.

                                            Adieu dear Sr Beatrice D’Silva!

 

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.