“The righteous live forever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them. Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord.” (Wisdom 5:15–16)
These profound words from the Book of Wisdom reflect the life of Sr Lucy Lilly Pinto, who peacefully departed from our midst into the loving embrace of her Creator after living 73 years of earthly life. Having courageously borne the suffering of cancer for six months, she surrendered her soul to God on 5th May 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Born on 31st January 1953, Sr Lilly Pinto was the youngest among the six children of Marian R. Pinto and Rosy Sequeira of Bejai Parish, dedicated to St Francis Xavier. She was brought up in a loving and God-fearing family that nurtured strong values of faith and service. Among her five siblings, three - Celine Pereira, Sr Ancilla Pinto, and Helen Lobo- have gone to their eternal reward. Her sister, Sr Dorothy Pinto, serves in the Congregation of the Sisters of St Charles Borromeo, while her only brother Mr Lawrence Pinto lives in Bejai with his wife. The entire family is well respected for their faith, education, and dedicated service to society and the Church. Sr Lilly remained deeply connected to her family through her constant prayers, loving concern, and guidance.
Sr Lilly Pinto completed her primary and high school education at Lourdes School, Bejai, and pursued her teacher training at St Ann’s College, Mangalore, qualifying herself as a teacher. She completed her Pre-University Course at Canara PU College, Kodialbail and obtained her degree from A.V. Baliga College, Kumta.
The call to religious life is a precious gift from God. Responding generously to this divine call and cherishing a deep desire to dedicate her entire life to the Lord as an Ursuline Franciscan Sister, Sr Lilly joined Holy Rosary Convent in 1975. She made her Temporary Profession in 1978 and her Perpetual Profession in 1983, consecrating herself wholeheartedly to the service of God and His people.
Sr Lilly Pinto rendered devoted and fruitful service in Girijyothi Convent, Kudremukh, St Raymond's Convent, Sullia, Holy Family Convent, Kengeri, Fatima Convent, Kelarai, Samudra Tare Convent, Kulur, Shanthidham Convent, Derlakatte, St Therese Convent, Belthangady and St Ursula Convent, Bolar. As a committed religious Sister, efficient Superior, dedicated Headmistress, and prudent administrator, she earned the love, respect, and admiration of all who knew her. She actively animated liturgical celebrations and parish activities, inspiring people to participate wholeheartedly. With a special love for sacred music, she enthusiastically led choir and took keen interest in catechism, striving to bring children and youth closer to God.
Sr Lilly also rendered remarkable service to the Congregation through her leadership roles. She served for three terms (9 years) as Provincial Councillor of Mangalore Province and for one term (6 years) as Councillor General of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. She served for 9 years as Deputy Secretary and 6 years as Secretary of the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society. During her tenure as Deputy Secretary, she worked diligently for the growth and development of Assisi Central School in its early years, helping to establish a strong foundation for the institution. She was the pioneering Principal of Permannur PU College of the Diocese of Mangalore, where her dedicated leadership and encouragement inspired both teachers and students to strive for excellence.
While serving as Provincial Councillor, she worked zealously to strengthen the Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association and was instrumental in launching its newsletter, Nadar. She also played a pioneering role in initiating the Ursuline Franciscan Blooms (UFB) for Christian children in the educational institutions of the Congregation that continues to bear fruit in the faith formation of young minds.
Sr Lilly was a woman of deep prayer, discipline, simplicity, and loving concern for others. Gifted with many talents, she was especially known for her literary skills and her remarkable ability in translation. As an inspiring and selfless educator, she guided and shaped the lives of thousands of students with patience, wisdom, and compassion. She encouraged children, especially those facing difficulties, to look to the future with hope and confidence. Students and teachers alike found in her a wise guide who listened with understanding and offered practical solutions. As a Headmistress, she firmly believed that every child deserved quality education and nurturing the potential of each individual became the hallmark of her life and mission.
In October 2025, Sr Lilly began developing abdominal pain and gastric discomfort. Thereafter, every possible effort was made to identify the cause of her illness. When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she underwent the necessary medical treatment under expert medical care. As the days passed, her physical strength gradually diminished. However, with remarkable courage and patience, she bore her pain, suffering, and physical limitations. Her serene acceptance of suffering, along with her calm and peaceful words, reflected the special grace and strength that God had bestowed upon her. On Monday, 4th May 2026, as her condition became critical, Sr Lilly was admitted to Father Muller Hospital, where she received intensive medical care. Though she appeared slightly better on 5th May 2026 Tuesday morning, within a few hours, serene and peaceful, she surrendered her soul into the hands of her Saviour at 11.30a.m.
Her funeral took place on 7th May 2026 at 3.30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Panir, Derlakatte. Rev. Fr Daniel Veigus, OP Episcopal Vicar for Religious of Mangalore Diocese, officiated at the Eucharist along with other eighteen concelebrants. Rev. Fr Paul Sequeira, who had the privilege of knowing her well during his time at Kulur and currently serving as the Parish Priest of Bolkunje, delivered the homily. Rev. Fr Valerian D’Souza, Parish Priest and Rector of Rosario Cathedral, Bolar, conducted the funeral rites at the Church and Rev. Fr Francis D’Souza at the burial place at Somarpann Novitiate Cemetery. Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General and Councilors General, Sr Clara Menezes, Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province, Sr Annie MA, Provincial Superior of Mysore Province, Sr Sumana Pinto, Delegate Superior of Central Delegation and their Councillors and the Councillors of Hubli Province, the Sisters of all the Provinces, Central Delegation, the Sisters of Mangalore Province, and Sisters from other Congregation, her family members, relatives, UFLA members of various units, her colleagues, Staff, students and Parishioners from various parishes were present in large number to pay their homage to Sr Lilly Pinto. 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 her soul rest in peace.
