SR LUELLA D SOUZA

Sr Luella D’Souza was born on May 22, 1951, in Omzoor, was the second of eight children to the late James D’Souza and Luiza D’Souza. She was baptized as Lilly D’Souza and grew up in a deeply faith-filled family where the daily celebration of the Eucharist shaped her early years and nurtured her vocation. From a tender age, her heart was drawn to God, and she responded generously to His loving call. Answering that call with courage and joy, she entered the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation on June 1, 1969. She consecrated her life to the Lord through her temporary profession on May 8, 1972, and sealed her total self-gift through her perpetual vows on May 17, 1977, dedicating her life to the service of Christ and His people in faithful love.

Sr Luella gave a special place to prayer and the Eucharist in her life. She never missed Holy Mass and the Rosary. Always willing and available for parish ministry, she carried out every responsibility entrusted to her with simplicity and humility, offering them as a loving sacrifice to God.

Even during her illness, she remained patient and serene, spending much of her time in prayer. She frequently invoked God’s blessings upon the Sisters and Novices who lovingly cared for her. Generous of heart, she reached out to others to the best of her ability and lived her vocation with fidelity and dedication. She was close to her family, remembering them constantly in her prayers and finding great joy whenever they visited her at the convent.

An ideal teacher for over fifty years, Sr Luella imparted value-based education through her selfless and dedicated service. She worked tirelessly to shape the lives and future of children, giving special attention to those who struggled in their studies. Ever encouraging, she nurtured the talents of children in singing, dance, Tabla, and Harmonium, while herself living a life marked by discipline and integrity. Her committed service touched the hearts and minds of countless children and parishioners in Sullia, Bolar, Loretto, Siddakatte, Panir, Bejai, Venur, Kelarai, Belthangady, and Kulur. Though she was often regarded as a strict teacher, many came to discover beneath that firmness a soft, gentle, and compassionate heart. In 2023, due to declining health, she was transferred to Somarpann Convent, where she continued to offer her life in quiet prayer and surrender.

Having lived 74 years in this world with joy, gratitude, and contentment, Sr Luella prepared herself to meet her beloved Jesus. Even as her speech diminished in her final days, a radiant smile never left her face, reflecting her deep interior peace. On December 18, while we were all preparing for the coming of Christ, Sr Luella was ready to behold Him face to face. She peacefully left us at 6.30 p.m. to return to her Creator.

In her passing, we have lost a simple and prayerful religious, an ideal teacher, and a loving sister. With hearts of faith, we surrender to the will of God and grateful for her life of generous service and pray for her eternal rest. We firmly believe that she will continue to intercede for us and shower us with God’s blessings from heaven.

Her funeral took place on 19^th December 2025 at 3.00p.m. at Somarpann Novitiate Chapel, Derlakatte. Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu officiated at the Eucharist along with other five concelebrants. Rev Fr Gerald Lobo, OFM Cap., Superior of St Ann Friary, Bejai conducted the funeral rites. Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General and Councilors General, Provincial Councillors of Mangalore Province, Delegate Superior of Central Delegation, representatives of all the Provinces, Central Delegation, the Sisters of Mangalore Province, her family members, relatives, well-wishers and  her students, were present to pay their homage to Sr Luella. She was laid to rest in the cemetery of Mangalore Province at Somarpann Novitiate, Deralakatte.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her; may she rest in peace. Amen.