Final Farewell to Our dear Sr Francina

Today, we gather to honor and celebrate the life of Sr. Francina Raj, a truly remarkable sister who touched the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - 2 Thimothy 4:7-8

These words of St Paul were true in the life of our dear Sr Francina. Rev. Sr. Francina Raj was the 1st child of late Mr. Sneha Raj and Mrs.Fathi Mary, born in the year 1972. She belongs to Mother of Mines Church Oorgaum KGF, Karnataka. She has 3 younger sisters and two younger brothers who loved her dearly. She always loved her mother dearly and showed special concern for her.

She had decided to follow Jesus at her young age and joined the SJT family in the year 1989 and made her first profession in 1994. She would always speak about Mayapur, her first community where she had stayed just a year. She was brought to Bangalore, Shanthi Nilaya to assist in SFX boarding, later she did her TTC in Sophia’s.

She then continued her year of Juniorate in Maria Ashram, Whitefield and made her final commitment in the year 2000. From then she dedicated her life totally at the service of God through the ministry of Education in the year 1998 till date. Sr Francina was in charge of primary and higher primary schools in Vile Parle, Vashi, Chitradurga and Chickballapur. She also served as a bursar for 15 years at various communities. She also had the privileged to be one of the pioneers at Vashi, Mumbai in the year 2006.

She was a shining example of faith and dedication to God. Her life was a testament. Her commitment and devotion to the hour of prayer and her love for Jesus was enormous. Her surrender to God and His will was a witness to all of us during these days of retreat. God truly willed that his worthy child be welcomed preparing her in prayer, silence and through the Word of God.

She was a loving and a generous soul, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her love for plants was evident in the beautiful garden she meticulously tended to, bringing joy and beauty to all who visited. Her passion for cooking was second to none, and the delicious meals she prepared inspite of her illness brought love and cheer to the sisters in the community. As a disciplinarian, Sr. Francina in school was firm but fair, always striving to instil values of respect and responsibility in her staff and students. Beyond her talents Sr. Francina nurtured a true artist in her. She created new out of nothing and made use of the time creatively and productively and found beauty in the world around her. Her fun-loving spirit and zest for life were infectious, and she could always be counted on during dire needs. Even in the face of illness, Sr. Francina showed incredible strength and endurance, never waning in her faith or her dedication to serving others. She truly made the best use of the gifts and talents that God had given her, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Though she may no longer walk among us, Sr. Francine’s spirit will live on in the memories and hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. We are grateful for the light she brought into our lives and the love she shared so freely and totally. Sr. Francina's love for vibrant colours, purple and white, her ever creative spirit will be remembered and cherished by all of us. Rest in peace, dear Sr. Francina, knowing that your legacy of love, compassion, generosity, and joy will never be forgotten as it will continue to inspire us all. You will be forever missed, but your spirit will live on to rejuvenate us each time we think of you.

Although with a heavy heart I take this opportunity on behalf of Sr Esperance and all my sisters in the community at Vile parle to thank Sr Catherine our Provincial superior, Sr leela and all the other sisters who assisted Sr Francina during the last days of her life helping her to raise her heart to God gracefully. News / by Tarbes Sisters