Eulogy of Sr Juliana D’souza
News / by Tarbes Sisters

Romans 14:8 “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.  
So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”

“Here my word oh Lord; Listen to my sigh .Here my cry for help, My King and my God.” (Ps.5:1- 3)Could this have been the prayer cry of Sr. Juliana, as she went through treatment for nearly 22 days in Martha’s hospital, before Jesus called her home to be with Him on 31 st December 2023? “Lives are like rivers: eventually they go where they must. Not where we want them.” (Richard Russo) All of us prayed with deep faith and hope that Sr. Juliana be back with us , but God willed that she be with her beloved in her eternal home ,so we surrender and say “ Your will be done”.

Sr Juliana was born on 20.03 .1942 to Mrs Louis and Magdalin Lobo, in Virajpet , the 3 rd in the family of 9 siblings. Sr Agnelo the younger sister Of Sr Juliana and her grand niece Sr Jwana also are the members of the SJT family.. Sr Juliana entered Postulancy in the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes on 23 rd June 1960 and the Novitiate on 9 th January 1961.. She made her first profession on 9 th January, 1963 and final profession on 2 nd January 1969.

She lived such a dedicated, authentic, and exemplary life which left a profound impact on the sisters of the communities, students and staff of the Schools and the people of the locality in which she lived all through these years. She was truly a missionary, filled with passion for Christ and his people. Sr Juliana in her various capacities as a teacher, head mistress, animator and Bursar , served the Church, the Congregation and the society with an ardent love and commitment.

After her studies ,her first appointment was as teacher in RTC today’s St Joseph’s Convent High School . After rendering her service in this institution for ayear, from 1968 – 69, she was transferred to Madikeri in 1970 . From 1972 to 2000 she served as an animator and head Mistress in Chitra Durga, Chickbalapur, Champion Reef and Amalaham After her retirement in the year 2000 she continued her education ministry in the above schools at various times. From 2008 to until her health deteriorated on 10 th December 2023 she remained in the community of Amalaham rendering her service as abursar, coaching the poor students in mathematics, reaching out to her past students and their families. Her ability, commitment and sense of responsibility was clearly seen during these years.

She manifested a child-like simplicity and a joyful attitude. She was innovative, enthusiastic and visionary leader. She had special talent to relate to her sisters in the community, to the priests who she came in contact with, the people around . She maintained a healthy and affectionate relationship with her family members and was a unifying force in the family. Iam sure her family members who are present here will vouch for it. She was a real guide and a spiritual companion to her younger sister Sr Agnello. She was fondly called As Jilla by her family members. She was very hospitable, generous and available. Her commitment to whatever mission entrusted to her was edifying.

Right from the beginning of her religious life she showed signs of spiritual depth which was manifested in her hidden life, self-giving, hard work, humility and prayerfulness. These qualities deepened over the years and enabled her to be effective in her mission .

As a wonderful and efficient teacher, she was very systematic and methodical in her teaching. Sr Julianna not only imparted knowledge to her students but also taught Gospel values of sharing, caring, and living together… She was kind, yet firm in her dealings with the staff and the children. Her selfless and loving services at any time was remarkable.

She was ever ready for any service, be it in the kitchen, garden, help for a needy neighbour in the parish or support staff in the School.. She always sought to serve and was available to others. She was very kind and loving towards the helpers and reached out to help them in their need. She knitted caps and made her little contribution for our Mission in Congo ..She possessed childlike wonder and transparency. She would often break into spontaneous exclamations of admiration about anything from the beauties of the nature; the flowers, fruits.

She took time to listen to the people’s woes with a compassionate heart. She always had smile for all. In times of difficulties , challenges and sickness, she never complained but endured humbly and silently. She had a heart full of compassion for the poor and the needy. She reached out to anyone in need irrespective of caste or creed. No one was excluded from her love and care.

She was a wonderful human being, a gentle soul with a delicate conscience. Her humility to ask permission and inform even to give away her things is truly praise worthy. She loved accepted and respected the authority in faith.

This simple statement is a beautiful summary of her whole life: A rich life of 81years, lived with Jesus. She was a woman steeped in love for Christ, to whom her entire being- everything she was and did was directed. Her favourite prayer to Jesus: all for you, was a continual offering of herself to Him. She loved to spend her time with her beloved, singing hymns and conversing with Him. So in the last hour of the last month of the year 2023, her beloved spouse t took her to be with Him for ever.

Sr. Juliana loved her SJT vocation with every fibre of her being; she called it the precious gift God gave her. She loved to call forth desciples some of our sisters who are here will affirm this. What a wonderful gift God gave us in Sr Juliana May she now enjoy a reward well-deserved: the fullness of her consecration in heaven, one with her Divine spouse in eternal joy. And may she closely accompany each one of us on this journey of fidelity and love. We will miss you, dearest sr. Juliana: your peaceful, prayerful presence, your gracious smile!

Thucydides, a classical author says, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others” Dear Sr. Juliana your life with us has touched us , your presence has left an imprint of your foot prints on our hearts . You are ever part of our lives, and from our hearts we say: Thank you. Thank you, thank you!

Rest in the Lord’s embrace.

“God looked around his garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
With the help of his angels they flew you to your heavenly place
Gods garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew you were suffering, he knew you were in pain
He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.”

Sad Demise of our Dear Sr Juliana D' Souza SJT