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CM CONDOLES DEATH
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A TRIBUTE BY
ELVIS GOMES
>> See pg 2
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MARGAO: Her life's journey was marked with compassion towards the needy, poor and the downtrodden. Her healing touch for those confined to the fringes of the society “ the Prisoners --- rekindled the feeling of love in their hearts.
Superior General Sr Marie Jane Pinto, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 20 April at 6.45 am at Navelim, led her life adhering to her motto “What do we live for if not help each other ?”
As tributes pour in, it only signifies the changes ushered in by Sr Jane into the lives of all those whot traversed her path.
“She was with Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim from the year 1965 to 1984 and was instrumental in setting up the campus. She was ther Superior General two times and served for a period of 12 years,” informs Sr Santana Goes. “She was working for the Church run Prison Ministry for the past 18 years. Until her demise, she was with St John of the Cross, Sarfona-Sancoale. She touched the lives of many. She spent her last days at Nazareth House, Navelim where she was brought due to illness. She blessed everybody even when she was on the bed and spoke to them except for the last two days. She had been ailing for the past two weeks,” adds Sr Santana Goes.
Her contribution towards the ecclesiastical affairs was immense. “When I joined, she was my Superior General of the Congregation. She appreciated and encouraged me and all the Sisters to do our best. She wanted Sisters to move forward, to be educated,” sai Sr Libia Fernandes, Head Mistress at St Michaels, Anjuna.
Even as she was ailing for the past two weeks, she blessed everybody, recounts Sr Alvita Gurjao, Superior General of of Holy Family of Nazareth Congregation, Sancoale-Goa. “She was dynamic and enthusiastic till her last days before she tokk ill. Her love for the poor, the needy, for prisoners was a lot.”
Her outstanding work for the prisoners also came in for a special mention. It is learnt that she facilitated inmates in completing their education under the National Open School and encouraged others to pursue higher studies under the Yeshwantrao Chavan Open University by filling their forms and paying their fees. “She was very dedicated and her humanitarian work is unparalleled, especially towards the welfare of prisoners, their family members and even victims of crime. She would sign bonds on her behalf for needy prisoners to go on parole,” informs IGP (Prisons) Elvis Gomes.
Paying tributes to the departed soul was Labour and Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado. “She was in Navelim for the past 15 years. Like a mother, she gave a finger to each to come up in life. She was very concerned about society, took a lot of pain to meet them and work for them to get good thoughts in their mind. I am touched by the sudden demise and pray that her soul rests in peace,” said Avertano Furtado.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, 3 pm at Rosary church cemetery, Navelim.
