SISTER MARY ST.ALOYSIUS JOSEPH (Nee Elizabeth Joseph)

Daughter of  Mr. Joseph Paul and Mrs. Teresa Joseph, Sister Mary St. Aloysius was  born in Kerala on the 17th March, 1926, Sister came in contact with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions,  when Mother Mary. St. Lucille and Mother George Kurian had gone for vocation recruitment to Kerala. By then Sister had already completed her graduation and Teachers Training in Malayalam through the Trivandrum University. Sister did her schooling in a certain St. Anthony’s school, Kerala.

Qualifications: As mentioned above, Sister graduated in Vernacular from the Trivandrum University, Kerala in 1941. She also qualified the TTC in Malayalam medium from the same University.

Later on as a private candidate, Sister did the Matriculation in the English medium in 1966. She subsequently cleared the PU in 1967 and BA, BT in 1971-72 from the Gauhati University of Assam.

Endowed with a brilliant talent coupled with her passion for reading, in no time Sister picked up and mastered the English Language which enabled her to excel in teaching. At one time, Sister was offered to attend a renewal course in Rome but declined the offer. In 1986, however, Sister attended the community Building Workshop in Bengaluru.

Sister Mary St. Aloysius had worked in many houses of the Province. As far as she could recall, till the 21^st June, 1958 she was in Chittagong. She then was sent to St. Mary’s Shillong on the 7^th January, 1959. St. Agnes’ Haflong on 23^rd December, 1960. This was followed by a transfer to St. John Bosco’s Sohra on 14^th April, 1965.  In between Sister was transferred to Bengaluru and Kolkata.

For two years Sister was in charge of the St. Joseph’s English School’ Two years in the Upper Primary English Section of  St. Mary’s  & for 40 years in the English Montessori School of the reputed St. Mary’s .

Sister cherishes the opportunity she had to work with Sister Mary Edmund White (New Zealander) RIP, Mother Ann D’A Capaldi, RIP & Mother Mary St. Eusebius Ryder (New Zealander) RIP and Mary St. Lucille Benney (Australian) RIP.

A perfectionist to the core, Sister had endeared many people. The fall which fractured her hip confined her to bed but her admirable memory was very alert till the end. She clearly knew who was sick and who had gone to eternity. Blessed with good eyesight coupled with her taste for good reading, Sister killed the monotony of being confined to bed. Sister accepted the prolonged old age sickness with admirable graciousness. She edified one and all by her spirit of simplicity and detachment. She used to keep her room opened so that she could greet the Sisters who chance to pass near her. This desire to see the visitors became an uppermost necessity. Possessing extremely good circulation of blood enabled her to defy the inclement weather.  Being alert, she occupied herself with praying for each sister by name. Towards the end, life became very simple with minimum needs. She had no regrets whatsoever, because her life was a total yes of surrender. Gratitude became second nature to her. It was a joy to witness such a redeemed personality.

When sister was able to visit her people, she used to divide the month long home holiday between her people in Kerala and Mumbai. Jack, one of her nephews who had migrated to Australia never failed to visit her whenever he comes to India. His two daughters are Sister’s pride and joy.

Sister Mary Aloysius took a bad turn on the 19^th December, 2017. Strengthened by the Sacrament of the sick, sister lingered on till she breathes her last during the wee hours of the 30^th December, 2017.  In spite of being the Winter, just before the New Year, when people were in the festive mood of the season, many turned up to pay their last respect to her mortal remains.  Sister’s funeral Mass was presided over by the Chancellor cum VG, Reverend Father John Madur. Among the distinguished Priests who came to concelebrate was Reverend Father Richard M. Macaw, Parish Priest of the Cathedral Parish.   Many religious Brothers and sisters came to offer their condolence to the Sisters. Sister was laid to rest on Sunday, the 31^st December, 2017.

The Province places a record of thanks to Sister Firmina Sumer, Superior and the community of St. Mary’s Convent, Shillong for taking care of Sister with such devotion and love. The generosity of the Sisters from the other communities was a bulwark of strength for the Sisters of St. Mary’s. Sister Mary Aloysius will surely intercede not only for the Province but also for the entire Congregation.   Hers was a life well lived. We have lost a woman of wisdom and grace. May Sister’s soul rest in peace.