 |
Religious Name : |
Sister Maryse of Jesus Crucified |
| Maiden Name : | Irine Clotilda D'Souza | |
| Religious No : | 1270 | |
| Native Place : | Udupi | |
| Parish : | Church of St. Sebastian Permannur | |
| Diocese : | Mangalore Diocese | |
| State : | Karnataka | |
| Date of Birth : | 18.09.1934 | |
| Date of First Profession : | 10.01.1963 | |
| Date of Perpetual Profession : | 17.05.1968 | |
| Date of Decease | 21.02.2025 | |
| Date of Burial | 22.02.2025 | |
| Place of Burial | St Cecily’s Convent Cemetery, Udupi |
Sr Maryse of Jesus Crucified
Institute No. 1270
“Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks.” (Lk12:35-36)
Our beloved sister Maryse, fulfilled the above mandate of the Lord. She was always ready with oil in her lamp, awaiting to meet the Lord. She had a few cherished wishes for her final days: to remain active, free from the confines of a bed; to continue performing her daily tasks with dignity until the end; and to slip away peacefully in the stillness of the morning hours. God in His love and mercy granted her desires. She winged her flight into the arms of the Father on Friday 21st morning. Having faithfully fulfilled her divine assignment, she has been called home to claim her eternal inheritance, a place specially prepared for her by God from the dawn of time.
Sr Maryse was born on September 18, 1934 in Udupi, baptised at Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi with the name Irene Clotilda. She was the fifth child of Late Charles and Anna Dsouza. Her educational journey began at Ladyhill School Mangalore, then at St Agnes College and culminated at St Ann’s College of Education.
As she listened to the loving whispers of the Master, her heart was drawn to a life of consecration, leading her to join the Apostolic Carmel. Throughout her 62 years of devoted service, she faithfully served as a teacher, Headmistress, Superior, and Boarders’ Mistress in various Apostolic Carmel Institutions namely at Carmel Convent Rourkela, Lourdes Convent Bengaluru, St Joseph’s Convent Kundapura, Carmel Convent Gangolli, St Maria Goretti Convent Kemmannu, Carmel Convent Moodbidri, Mary Immaculate Convent Bengaluru, Carmel Nivas Lingsuguru, Carmel Convent Haliyal and St Cecily’s Convent Udupi.
In all her endeavours, she prioritized the welfare and wellbeing of the poor and slow learners. With meticulous attention to details, she carried out every responsibility with a hallmark of perfection. With boundless enthusiasm and zeal, she excelled as an ACA animator, catechism teacher, sacristan and librarian. Her dedication also inspired her to engage in SCC meetings and pastoral family visits. She had a sixth sense to perceive the needs of the sisters and did her best to serve them. A very caring and loving sister indeed. Many recipients of her loving kindness continued to visit her expressing gratitude and sharing the joys of their success stories.
The example of her life has drawn many of her students to serve the Lord in religious life and priesthood. Hers was a life of active faith that enabled her to be loyal and obedient to her superiors. Wherever she was sent she had the capacity to create an atmosphere of prayerful serenity in the midst of all the hardships. How could it be possible if not for the constant presence of the Lord with her? She was always aware of her Carmelite status in the Church. Even during her advanced years, her zeal for the Kingdom didn’t slacken. Her spirit of endurance was a life-giving source to the community.
She always desired to spread happiness around her through creative ways. In her younger days on all Saints Day, she would craft a beautiful heavenly collage hanging it in the community room to delight her fellow community members. As she advanced in age she bore all the inconveniences of life with deep faith in the Lord and hope in His promises. Her spirit of endurance was really marvellous as was her spirit of forgiveness. Her heart was filled with genuine gratitude as she acknowledged and appreciated even the smallest acts of kindness from others. Her radiant and ever smiling countenance had a magnetic effect, drawing people to her warm and gentle presence. Her passion for the wellbeing and development of children knew no bounds. Despite her waning energies she selflessly continued to nurture young talents, training them in English skits and compering, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
Her daily routine reflected her simplicity. She would begin by reading the newspapers, praying fervently for a suffering world. A short refreshing walk outdoors would follow, invigorating her spirit. In the evenings she would engage in lively games of Chinese Checkers with Sr Felician, savouring the joys of community and friendship. She had close relationship with her family members and whenever they were sick or in need would request the prayers of the sisters for them. On September 18, 2024 marked a joyous celebration as the community celebrated her 90th birthday in grand style. Providentially on that day a Jesuit guest priest of the parish happened to be celebrating the Eucharist. It was indeed a great joy for her as her brother late Fr Victor D Souza and her Nephew Fr Peter Francis were both Jesuits. She was deeply grateful for the love and joy bestowed on her on this special day.
About ten days prior to her death she complaint of stiffness in her right shoulder. Even though she received treatment there was no sign of improvement. But she made great efforts to be present on time for prayer and community exercises for she always sought the company of sisters and relished the simple joys of unity and togetherness. She expressed great joy when Sr Shamita our Provincial Superior paid a visit to our community.
On February 21st morning Sr Maryse was not able to come for the Eucharistic celebration. When she expressed her helplessness to be present for the mass, Holy communion was brought to her by our Superior Sr Therese Jyothi. She was served breakfast in her room after which sisters noticed her growing weaker, they promptly summoned the doctor. Rev Fr Charles Menezes the Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick upon Sr Maryse
imparting spiritual strength, peace and blessing as she yielded her spirit to the Master. Dr Sharath Chandra Rao examined and certified the death as cardiac arrest. Very gently and peacefully Sr Maryse winged her flight to the land, where the Lamb is the Light.
Her mortal remains were laid out in our Convent Chapel. Her nephew and her family from Kolalagiri arrived to pay their last respects to their dear aunt. They spent their day praying. Meantime the staff members from our schools, parishioners and sisters from various communities came to offer their prayers.
The funeral ceremony was fixed for Saturday 22, February at 10:30 a.m. Her Jesuit nephew Fr Peter Francis and her niece Sr Clare arrived in the morning from Chennai. The funeral mass was celebrated by our Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo along with nine concelebrants including her nephew. Sisters from various convents and people of the parish filled the chapel to capacity. After Mass the funeral Cortege wended its way to St Cecily’s Convent cemetery. There she was laid to rest with the echoes of the hymn “when the clouds of temptation”.
Dear Sr Maryse,
Your beautiful life
totally surrendered to the Lord
is an unforgettable
mark, you left on the
community of St Cecily’s convent
intercede for us with the Father
that we too may tread the
path of Carmelite simplicity
as you did
May our Mother of Carmel, whom
you loved dearly
offer you to her Son
and there with the Angels
and Saints may you enjoy eternal bliss.
Adieu dear sister till we meet again on that Beautiful Shore.
A tribute of love and fond remembrance from the sisters of St Cecily’s Convent, Udupi.
