"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith'.

(2 Timothy 4:7)

“The saddest moment is when the person who gave us the best memory becomes a memory”.

Sr. Mary Bernarda is a royal diadem in the hand of God.    She was born third among seven children, in 1940 to a faith filled parents Mr. Sebastianappan and Jaya Mary at Elathagiri, in Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. She was the first sister from Tamil Nadu to be bloomed in 1961 in the FSM Family and rendered her 60 years of committed service in various places such as Hosur, Surandai, Duraisamypuram, Krishnagiri and Mathagondapalli. Nearly 4 decades of her service in the educational field was among the poor, the marginalized and illiterate. She was an open book for others to learn. She was a role model to her Sister Annamma, Brother Bishop Singaroyan and many to yield much fruits in the Vineyard of Christ.

She had implanted a remarkable inspiration to all religious and for all the ages. She had passion for Christ and Mother Mary. Most of her valuable time was spent in front of the Eucharistic Lord. She was one of the power houses of prayer for FSM family. Sr. Bernarda had taught us and molded us. We admired her spirit of prayer, hard work, determination, attitude of gratitude, concern and love for the poor, eagerness to teach Catechism and visit the families. We are edified by her simplicity and humility. Her bodily struggles and pains enlightened us to endure everything with patience. Her complete trust in God enabled her to accept her weak health and receive support from the sisters.

Her joyful journey on this earth came to an end on 16^th January 2022 at 6.50 pm surrounded by the sisters of her community in a prayerful atmosphere. We had a meaningful Eucharist Celebration on 17^th January at 3.30 pm in our campus. The Holy mass was concelebrated by three Bishops (Bishop of Salem and Bishop of Dharmapuri, along with her brother Bishop Singaroyan) and about thirty priests.

Her mortal was surrounded by many of our FSM sisters, religious sisters from various congregations, her beloved family members, relatives, friends, and parishioners. After the mass she was carried in a procession to our cemetery to rest. With heavy hearts we placed her in the tomb.

Dear Sr. Bernarda, the pain of losing you and missing you is very painful. We believe that death is never an end, but a new life to be continued in Heaven. We rejoice that we have one more intercessor for our FSM Family in Heaven to pray to God for all of us.

With lots of love,

Sr. Mary & Community, 

Mathagondapalli.