“I am the Resurrection and the Life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” - Jn 11:25
"Death is not the end of everything, but the beginning of something." – Pope Francis
Sr Teresa P. was born on 27th May 1993 to Mr Perinayagam and Mrs Lourdu Mary of St Thomas Church Davangere, Diocese of Shimoga. Among five children Sr Teresa P. was the third child. She bid Adieu to this earthly journey to be with the Lord in the heavenly abode on 29th June 2026, on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. After completing her SSLC, on 7th June 2009, she willingly responded to God’s call and joined the Mysore Province of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation wherein she began her journey of religious formation with faith, hope, and generosity. She completed her Pre-University Course at St. Philomena's College, Mysore, obtained her Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) qualification from St. Joseph's Institute, Belgaum, and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Kannada from the University of Mysore. She made her First Profession on 8th April 2015 and, after years of faithful preparation and service, professed her Perpetual Vows on 22nd April 2023, offering herself completely to the service of God and His people.
Though young in age, Sr Teresa possessed a heart filled with love, compassion, kindness, and a deep spirit of selfless service. She welcomed everyone with warmth, respect, and genuine affection, becoming a source of comfort and hope to those who were suffering. Her gentle words, radiant smile, and steadfast faith in God touched countless lives and inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was not only a devoted religious Sister but also a loving daughter, a caring sister, a faithful friend, and a compassionate guide. Through her simplicity, humility, and joyful presence, she reflected the love of Christ in her daily life. She believed that true greatness lay in humble service, and she quietly lived that conviction each day.
From 2015 onwards, Sr Teresa dedicated herself to the ministry of education. As a teacher, she served with love, commitment, and enthusiasm, striving for the intellectual, moral, and spiritual formation of every child entrusted to her care. Her friendly nature, remarkable patience, and genuine concern for her students won their hearts and earned the admiration of parents and colleagues alike. Her apostolic zeal extended beyond the classroom. During her ministry at Bidar, she lovingly cared for children living with HIV, accompanying them with compassion, supporting their education, nurturing their dignity, and contributing to their rehabilitation. Her gentle presence, empathy, and unwavering dedication became a beacon of hope for these vulnerable children. Through this ministry, Sr Teresa became a living witness to Christ's boundless love and compassion for the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering.
Throughout her religious life, she remained deeply rooted in prayer. Her simple lifestyle, humble disposition, unwavering faith, and wholehearted dedication to God's mission inspired everyone who lived and worked with her. She demonstrated through her life that the greatest expression of love for God is found in loving and serving others with sincerity and joy.
During her eleven years of religious life, Sr Teresa faithfully served in the communities of Kripa Sadan Convent, Hangal; Prerana Convent, Shorapur; Chaitanya Convent, Kaudiyal, Bidar and St. Michael Convent, Hubli. She embraced her mission with generosity, humility, dedication, and a joyful spirit, touching countless lives through her loving service and faithful witness.
As Sacred Scripture reminds us: "The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall ever touch them" (Wisdom 3:1). These comforting words strengthen our faith as we commend Sr Teresa to the loving mercy of our Heavenly Father. She was deeply devoted to her family. She remained closely connected with them, making it a point to call them every day to inquire about their health and well-being. She constantly remembered them in her prayers and cherished them with deep affection. She was a beautiful testimony to the love, care, and guidance she generously shared with them.
As we mourn the untimely passing away of our beloved Sr Teresa, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to our Superior General, Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, for her constant moral support, prayers, and words of encouragement. We also express our sincere appreciation to our Assistant Superior General, Rev. Sr Rita Vas, for her comforting presence and to all our Sisters from Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli, North and North East Provinces and Central Delegation for their presence with us and prayers offered for the departed soul.
We express our profound gratitude to Most Rev. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum, for his concern, support, comforting words, heartfelt prayers and his presence. We are grateful to all the Priests who concelebrated in the Holy Eucharist, prayed for the eternal repose of Sr Teresa's soul, and generously extended their spiritual and pastoral support to us. We gratefully acknowledge the generous assistance, selfless service and invaluable help of all those who stood beside us during this painful moment. May God richly bless each one of them and their families for their kindness and generosity.
The funeral was held on 30th June 2026 at St Michael Convent, Hubli. The funeral Mass was presided over by Rev. Bishop Derek Fernandes who also gave a meaningful homily. There were 18 priests who concelebrated in this Mass. The funeral rites were conducted by Rev. Fr Anthony Nazareth the Parish Priest of St Thomas Church, Davangere. With tearful hearts, the Sisters, family members, relatives, and friends bid a heartfelt and moving farewell to beloved Sr Teresa P. She was laid to rest at St Joseph Church Cemetery, Hubli.
Dear Sr Teresa, although your earthly pilgrimage has ended far sooner than we had imagined, your witness of unwavering faith, generous love, joyful spirit, and life of humble and selfless service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew you. We entrust you to the loving embrace of the Lord whom you served so faithfully, confident that He has prepared for you the eternal reward promised to His faithful servants.
Adieu dear Sr Teresa P.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
