“A loving heart that lived long
A grateful heart that longed to live long
Ceased beating forever
The mouth that spoke tender words
Stopped speaking forever.”
Dear Sr. Francis Mary you loved truly and lived fully for Christ till the last breath. ‘Whether we live or die we belonged to the Lord’. But death is a passage to a new and fuller life and ultimately eternal union with God. Sr. Francis Mary was born on 21st March 1928 at Kumaragam, Kottayam district in Kerala. She was the third child among 9 siblings and she was lovingly called Chinnama. Her adorable parents were Mr. C.V. Joseph and Mrs. Mariamma with the family name of Vachachirayil. She had four brothers among them one was a capuchin priest. She had four sisters among them twins are religious sisters in our congregation. Sr. Theresa Joseph had gone for her eternal abode and Sr. Elizebeth Joseph is in Krishnagiri.
Sr. Francis Mary made her first vows in 1950 and perpetual vows in 1956. She learnt Tamil language and did her TAMIL Training in Tamilnadu. She worked in St. Anne’s Primary School Krishnagiri. She was a Headmistress and Superior in Saveriyarpalayam. She was a active and vibrant soldier of Legion of Mary in Elathagiri parish and she was in charge of Hostel too. When her strength failed, she was confined to her room and thus she spent 35 years and her heart was always there in Elathagiri.
She was a very systematic and self-disciplined person. She updated her knowledge by reading lots of spiritual and informative books and news. She would watch Holy Mass in her mobile and receive communion every day. She was obedient to the authorities and a loving sister to all.
She wished the company of sisters always and she was kind to the helpers. On February 17th she got mild cardiac arrest twice, so she was taken to Krishnagiri St. Louis Hospital. After the test, she was reported that she was alright. On 21st February morning she was declining and her organs were failing one by one .She was given the last Sacrament and surrounded by many sisters including Sr.Miriam, she embraced sister death peacefully at 3.15 pm.
We bow our heads to God gratefully for His immense love towards her for the past years. We thank Sr. Nambikai Mary, Sr. Amali, other sisters, doctors and staff for their generous help and care.
Our sincere thanks to Rev. Sr. Reetha Paul, Superior General and Rev. Sr. Miriam the Provincial and Councilors for their support.
Dear Sr. Francis Mary,
Your strong will power was an inspiration
Your child like smile always attracted us
You created a vacuum in our hearts
We miss you dear sister…
May the angles in heaven welcome you,
May our Mother Mary take you by hand
May the Lord Jesus crown you with joy.
Dear sister pray for us…
Your Loving Sisters,
Sr. R. Amala & Community
St. Francis Convent,
Elathagiri.