English 
The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” – Matthew 9: 37-38
These sacred words from the Gospel profoundly shaped the life of Sr. Gabriella, whose missionary journey stands as a beacon of faith, service, and unwavering dedication. Inspired by the same spirit that guided our Foundress, Mother Igilda, Sr. Gabriella embraced her vocation with a fervour that touched the lives of countless individuals, particularly the poor and marginalized.
A Missionary’s Heartbeat
Sr. Gabriella’s legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew her as a zealous missionary, a compassionate friend, and a tireless advocate for the underserved. Her work in Andhra Pradesh, especially in the dioceses of Guntur, Vijayawada, and Eluru, is a testament to her commitment to living out the Gospel in every aspect of her life. She embodied the missionary charism of our congregation, following in the footsteps of Jesus, the Apostle of the Father, sowing seeds of faith with passion and devotion.
Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life—without distinction—enabled her to build local churches from the ground up. Sr. Gabriella’s life was marked by faith, simplicity, hard work, and sacrifice, all of which she poured into her mission of bringing Christ to the people and the people to Christ.
Evangelization as a Life Mission
For Sr. Gabriella, evangelization was not merely a duty; it was the very essence of her existence. She spared no effort and left no stone unturned in her quest to spread the Word of God, especially in the remote villages of Gunadala, Vinukonda, Vijayawada, Kalidindi, Bhimavaram, and Vegavaram. Regardless of the weather—whether enduring the scorching heat of summer or the chilling cold of winter—Sr. Gabriella was always present; sharing the lives and struggles of the people she served.
She immersed herself in village camps, focusing on faith formation for catechumens, leading family prayers, preparing the faithful for the Holy Sacraments, and advocating for social and integral human development. Her profound Biblical knowledge, acquired through dedicated study and courses, was imparted with simplicity and clarity through preaching, singing, and enacting the Word of God. Her efforts laid the foundation for strong, vibrant communities of faith that continue to thrive today.
A Model of Consecrated Life
Sr. Gabriella was more than just a missionary; she was a shining example of consecrated life. Her humility, charity, and selfless service were hallmarks of her character, and her missionary zeal inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was known for her prayerfulness, cheerfulness, simplicity, and sociability—qualities that endeared her to many and left an indelible mark on their lives.
To her contemporaries and the younger generations alike, Sr. Gabriella remains a model of total dedication and holiness. She was not only a mentor and guide but also a mother, sister, and friend to those around her—both within the congregation and in the broader community.
Milestones in Missionary Work
Among the many milestones of Sr. Gabriella’s missionary journey was the foundation and development of the Vinukonda mission from 1965 to 1978. As a close collaborator with the Jesuit Fathers, particularly the late Fr. T. Balaiah, and alongside the Nirmala sisters, she played an instrumental role in the growth of this mission. Her pioneering spirit also led to the formation of the Legion of Mary and later the Lay Associates of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (MSI), which continue to be vital parts of our mission in Gunadala, Nirmala Convent Vijayawada, and Vegavaram.
Today, the presence of 13 groups of Lay Associates in the Vijayawada Province is a testament to Sr. Gabriella’s vision and her ability to engage laypeople in the mission of the Church. Despite facing ill health for many years, her spirit remained indomitable, and she continued to serve cheerfully in hospitals and through pastoral and catechetical apostolates. Her very life was a joyful expansion of God’s Kingdom, a life dedicated to the mission until her final days.
A Lasting Legacy
Sr. Gabriella’s life is a powerful reminder that the harvest is indeed plentiful, and we are all called to be labourers in God’s vineyard. Her legacy of faith, service, and dedication to the mission of Christ continues to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps. As we reflect on her extraordinary life, we are encouraged to carry forward her mission of spreading the Word of God and uplifting the lives of those in need.
May her life and work continue to inspire us to live out our faith with the same passion, dedication, and love that Sr. Gabriella exemplified in her remarkable journey.
Sr. Gnana Sundari Nagothu, Vijayawada
