Name
SR IRENE D SOUZA
Date of Death
20 January 2026
✝
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” ( 2 Cor 5:1).
Born on June 24, 1948 to the late Mr. Lawrence D’Souza and Mrs. Rosy D’Souza of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Sakleshpura, Hassan District Chikmagalur Diocese. Sr Irene was the eldest of six children in a deeply faith-filled family. From her earliest years, she listened attentively to God’s call and generously offered her life in His service. Her vocation was lovingly nurtured by Rev. Fr. Victor Serrao, her Parish Priest and Vocation Promoter.
She joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation on June 2, 1968, made her Temporary Profession on May 8, 1970, and her Perpetual Profession on May 9, 1975. From then on, she became a joyful religious in every walk of her life. Wherever she was sent and whichever ministry she was called upon to fulfil she remained ever committed.
After completing Teacher’s Training, Sr Irene served faithfully in many communities, including Holy Family Convent, Kengeri; Sacred Heart Convent, Hirebile; St. Joseph’s Convent, Hunsur; Assisi Convent, Thirthahalli; Nirmala Convent, Balehonnur; Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu; Somarpann, Deralakatte; St. Joseph’s, Koppa; Deepanjali, Mysore and also in Tanzania, Africa.
Her service was marked by her dedication and leadership. She held roles as Superior, Headmistress, Educational Secretary of UFES and as Councillor General for twelve years, Regional Superior of the Mysuru Region. Her missionary zeal carried her to Tanzania, where she served as Headmistress with remarkable commitment.
Even during her illness, Sr Irene tried to be active and creative. She engaged herself in administrative works, maintaining school accounts, community and school records, guided the Ursuline Franciscan Lay Associates and UF Blooms.
Sr Irene was a woman of deep prayer, simplicity and compassion. Gentle yet firm, calm yet strong. She carried her responsibilities with wisdom and love. Her warm smile, attentive listening, and serene presence brought comfort to all who sought her guidance. Through humility, dedication and perseverance, she touched countless lives. She cherished reading, writing, gardening, cooking and maintaining order and cleanliness. Her life reflected a beautiful harmony of prayer and action. Her deep interior life became her strength, especially during her years of physical suffering, which she bore with patience, faith and complete trust in God.
Afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, Sr Irene returned to the Mysuru Province, after serving 4 years in Tanzania. In January 2025, she was diagnosed with advanced-stage stomach cancer. She embraced this suffering with faith and total surrender. She was lovingly cared for, by Sr. Roopa and the sisters of
Maria Niketan Community and Spirituality Centre, under the guidance of Dr. Sr. Hilda Rita Lobo and Dr. Sr. Amitha Lobo.
Throughout her illness, she was surrounded by love. Rev Sr Milly Fernandes, the Superior General, and her Council visited her with deep concern and affection. Provincial Superior and her council, Sisters of the Congregation and her family remained a constant source of strength, visiting her often and enveloping her with care. Sr Irene cherished her community deeply and desired to remain among her sisters rather than to be in the hospital. Priests, religious, friends, students and well-wishers came to see her, each one leaving touched by her gentle spirit and radiant smile. She was especially moved by the visit of His Excellency Most Rev. Bishop Francis Serrao, who spent time with her and prayed over her on 15th October & 9th December 2025.
Though confined to her bed, her mindfulness and serenity were remarkable. Amidst acute pain and suffering, the little crucifix she held until her last breath became her source of strength. On 25 December, her condition grew unusual. Though she tried to be normal, she struggled for breath and slipped into a deep sleep. From time to time, she opened her eyes, looked around and smiled at those near her, a gesture that comforted everyone present. It seemed as though she was already glimpsing a heavenly vision, her soul preparing to return to the Lord.
At 11:00 a.m., Rev. Fr. Vincent Furtado celebrated the Holy Eucharist, and she received Holy Communion with devotion. As her condition was deteriorating in the afternoon, Fr. Santha Lopes administered the Sacrament of the anointing of the sick and prayed for her. Thereafter, she grew still, calm and peaceful. Dr. Sr Amitha Lobo visited her, checked her and informed the community of her condition.
Finally, at 10:15 p.m., Sr. Irene opened her eyes one last time, looked lovingly at those gathered around her, and with serenity, slipped into the hands of her Lord. Holding her crucifix firmly, she breathed her last on the very day the Church celebrated the birth of Christ, entering into eternal life where pain and suffering are no more. The presence of Sr Annie M A, the Provincial Superior, her Council, and the community Sisters bore witness to her passing, marked by ultimate peace and grace.
Dear Sr. Irene, you have left behind a legacy of service, faith, and commitment. As an elder sister, you were a model, a guide, and a source of strength. We will miss you beyond measure. Though we feel the void of your absence, we hold fast to the hope that you continue to walk with us from above. Intercede for us, that we may carry forward the mission and legacy you have entrusted to us, until we meet again in our heavenly home.
Her funeral took place on December 26, 2025 at 3.00 pm at Maria Niketan Chapel presided over by Most Rev Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Mysore Diocese along with nine other concelebrants. Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, OCD, preached the Word of God and delivered a homily highlighting the life, virtues and goodness of Sr Irene D’Souza. Rev Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General and Councillors, Sr Leena Mathias, Regional Superior of African Region, good number of Sisters of the Province, Sisters from Mangalore, her family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers, Sisters & brothers of our neighbouring Communities, accompanied her during her final journey and paid their last respects. Rev Fr Santha Lopes, Superior of Kripalaya conducted the funeral rites. She is laid to rest at Maria Niketan Convent Cemetery, Bogadi.
Rest in peace, beloved Sr. Irene. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.
