“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree. They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green”. Ps 92:12-14
True to the words of Scripture, Sr Gemma lived a fruitful and grace-filled life of 90 years. Having endured suffering with remarkable courage and serenity, she bore abundant fruits of faith, hope and love. Her earthly pilgrimage having reached its fulfillment, she was called by the Lord to her eternal reward on June 06, 2026.
Sr Gemma Pinto was born on January 20, 1936 as the 7th child among 8 children of late Diego Pinto and Magdaline Pinto, a devout and affectionate family of St Dominic Church, Miyar, Mangalore. At Baptism she was named Regina Pinto. Regina as a clever and cheerful girl, did her primary education at Christ the King Church, Karkal and High school at St Joseph’s High school, Kundapur. True to her name, she was a confident girl with grace, dignity and inner strength, bringing joy, peace and encouragement, winning countless hearts to God, inspiring many young girls of her locality and family to be a part of Ursuline Franciscan family.
On June 1, 1957 at the age of 21 Sr Gemma Joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation through the instrumentality of Late Most Rev. Dr Basil D Souza, her Vocation Promoter, and made her Temporary profession on May 6, 1959 and Perpetual profession on May 16, 1963; thus she lived 67 fruitful years of religious life.
Sr Gemma was a true gem in the Ursuline Franciscan family beginning her mission as a teacher, being trained in needle work and driving. She rendered her selfless service at various places namely St Clare’s Convent Suntikoppa, St Joseph’s Convent Koppa, Holy Family Convent, Maria Nilaya, FISI Kengeri, Deepanjali Alanahalli, Christaraj Convent Naganahalli, Maria Niketan Bogadi, Sacred Heart Convent Madanthyar. From June 2015 till her last days she lived in St Mary’s Convent, H. D. Kote.
Sr Gemma was a true Franciscan who beautifully embodied the values of simplicity, humility, joy and a profound love for all of God's creation. The long-standing trees that grace the campuses of Somarpann, Kengeri, FISI, Deepanjali, Koppa, Madanthyar and Naganahalli, bearing abundant fruits year after year, stand as living testimonies to her deep bond with Mother Earth. Like St Francis of Assisi, Sr Gemma was a genuine lover of nature. She experienced the loving presence of the Creator in the beauty of flowers, trees, animals and the changing seasons. Her reverence for creation inspired those around her to appreciate and care for the gifts of nature. Through her life, she taught that caring for the earth is a sacred responsibility and a way of expressing gratitude to God for His wondrous creation.
Her dedication to education, the cause of poor and the marginalized with outpouring generosity reflected her unwavering commitment to justice, love and human dignity. Her warm smile, gentle words and caring nature made her a cherished friend, mentor and guide to many.
Her vibrant, jovial nature with spontaneous outbursts of wit and wisdom lifted the spirits of those around her. Even in ordinary moments, she spread happiness reminding everyone that joy is a reflection of God’s presence within us. Her unique ability to keep contact with friends near and far, young and old, kept her young and dynamic, keeping her mental faculties alert and reasonably healthy, a rare gift at such ripe old age which we as her Sisters still admire. Every fiber of her being reflected her profound love for the Congregation. Her life was rooted in deep love for God, expressed through her fidelity to prayer, dedication to community life and genuine concern for everyone around her. She has given her best to the Communities through her service and touched countless lives through her caring presence and readiness to help.
Uniquely admirable was her resilience and determination in battling breast cancer, a serious illness that she courageously overcame. She remained cancer-free for 23 long years without any recurrence of the disease. As advancing age gradually weakened her health, the many beneficiaries of her social service and financial assistance visited her frequently to express their gratitude. Their visits brought her immense joy, satisfaction and a deep sense of fulfilment in the final years of her life. Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes our Superior General and Sisters from far and wide visited her during the last days. Her family members, friends and well-wishers often cherished her presence and accompanied her, in her disabilities of old age.
During the last fifteen days of her life, as she endured suffering and physical weakness, her longing for the Lord became increasingly evident. With deep faith and quiet surrender, she often expressed her desire to meet her Divine Master. Her suffering became a prayer, and her waiting became a journey of hope toward the One whom she had loved and served throughout her life. As she realized her days were coming closer to enter into eternity, she began to grow more serene, resolved and peaceful. She expressed her desire to make her confession and receive the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Rev. Fr. Bernard Prakash Barnis, the Parish Priest of St Mary’s Church H.D Kote, administered the sacrament of anointing of the sick on 28th May.
On 6th June at 5.56pm She gracefully bid farewell to this earthly life in the presence of the Sisters of St Mary’s and Sanjeevini Convents. Requiem mass was held at 7.30pm at St. Mary’s Convent H.D. Kote, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Bernard Prakash Barnis and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Swamy the Parish Priest of Naganahalli. Many parishioners and Sisters of the Zone paid their homage to Sr Gemma and prayed for her.
Sr. Gemma’s mortal remains were brought to Maria Niketan Chapel, Bogadi, on June 7, 2026. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 3.00 p.m. and was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Mysore, along with nine concelebrating priests. Superior General Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes and her Council, Sisters of the Province, Mangalore, and the Central Delegation, together with Sr Gemma’s family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers accompanied her on her final earthly journey and paid their last respects.
Today, while our hearts mourn her physical absence, we rejoice in the firm hope that she has reached the eternal home for which she longed throughout her life. The Lord whom she sought so faithfully in prayer, served generously in others and encountered in the beauty of creation has now welcomed her into His loving and eternal embrace. Having completed her earthly pilgrimage, she now rests in the peace and joy of God's presence, united forever with the One she loved and served so devotedly.
Dear Sr Gemma, may your gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and joyful service continue to inspire us. We thank God for the gift of you and commend your soul to His infinite mercy.
