English
“But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God.” – Wisdom 3:1
Sr. Monica’s life was a living testament to solid faith, selfless service, and a deep love for the Church and its mission. Throughout her many years of devoted service, she touched the hearts of everyone she encountered, leaving a legacy that will endure in the lives of all who knew her.
For over three decades, Sr. Monica faithfully served as a sacristan in the parish church. She took great pride in keeping the church and its grounds spick-and-span, ensuring that every detail was attended to with love and care. Whether or not the parish priest was present. Her deep commitment to the Church extended beyond the physical space. She was a constant presence, a listening ear, and a dedicated prayerful companion for the people of the parish. She once said, “I am collaborating with the Church in the mission of evangelizing the people,” and she lived this mission daily through her work and example.
Her profound love for the Church extended beyond the walls of the sanctuary. She took every opportunity to involve young boys from the hostel as altar servers, using these moments to inspire them toward a life of service to God. Many women in the parish were moved by her devotion and joined her in her work, helping to further the spirit of collaboration within the community.
Sr. Monica’s work was always carried out with excellence—whether as a house manager, a craft teacher empowering woman, or in her roles at the hospital, tailoring centre, and pharmacy. She also dedicated much of her time and energy to assisting the poor, displaying boundless kindness, compassion, and transparency in all her dealings.
I recall a poignant incident that perfectly illustrates Sr. Monica’s kindness and compassion. One day, she discovered two hungry, homeless boys at the entrance of the church. Without hesitation, Sr. Monica took immediate action, bringing them into the convent and ensuring they were cared for. The community supported in providing for their needs with the same love and generosity that Sr. Monica had shown. This act of kindness was just one example of how she consistently extended her heart and her resources to those in need, demonstrating her deep commitment to serving others. Her commitment to the Church, community, and those in need was rooted in a deep spiritual life.
Sr. Monica was not just a servant, but also a devoted learner. She was known for her intellectual curiosity, always well-informed about the latest news and developments through her love for reading magazines and newspapers. Her strong language skills in both English and Telugu were a reflection of her sharp mind, which she used to serve others and communicate effectively within the community.
Sr. Monica’s faithfulness extended to all aspects of her life. She was punctual to every community practice, diligent in her duties, and ever-smiling—bringing joy to those around her. She had an intuitive sense of preparation, always ready in advance for both work and prayer, which made her a reliable and trusted presence in every task.
As the years passed, Sr. Monica’s faith remained unwavering. Even towards the end of her life, she exhibited a remarkable awareness of the spiritual realm, recounting a vivid dream where she was called to heaven by those who had gone before her. She spoke of it with peace and joy, a true reflection of her readiness to return home to God.
Her departure leaves a profound sense of loss, but also a deep sense of gratitude for her many years of service, her faithfulness, and her loving presence in the lives of all who knew her. Her memory lives on in the hearts of the people she served and the sisters with whom she lived. May God welcome her into eternal peace, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.” – Matthew 25:21
Lord, I am coming home.
May Sr. Monica’s soul rest in the peace of God, knowing that her life was one of faithfulness, service, and love. We celebrate her memory, grateful for the ways in which she touched our lives and inspired us all to serve with the same commitment and compassion she displayed every day.
Sr. Vijaya Rani, Province of Vijayawada
