Sr. Mary Lawrence Kalapurackal
R.I.P. 16th September 2013
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death or mourning, crying or pain, for the world that was has passed away. The One seated on the throne says, “Behold I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:4)
Sr. Lawrence was born on Christmas Day in the year 1950 to Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Thresiamma Kallapurackal in Poonjar of Palai diocese in Kerela, and is the eldest of their nine children. She was named Thresiamma and was a great support to the mother. Her ardent desire to become a nun was not willingly accepted by her parents hence she was compelled to ask the aid of her parish priest who contrived to make arrangements for her to join the Ursuline Congregation in April 1964.
She made her First Profession on 31st May 1970 and was finally professed 5 years later on 18th May 1975. She served the Congregation most generously in various communities. Her first transfer was to Mary Immaculate Convent Bondel, Mangalore. She lovingly served at Ursuline Convent, Davis Road; St. Xaviers Convent, Goa; Nirmala Home for the Aged, Nasik; Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai; Tanmaya, Nasik and Holy Family Convent, Kurla, cheerfully accepting every undertaking assigned to her.
In later years she suffered great health problems – diabetes , hypertension, and open-heart surgery which caused her untold difficulties; but her generosity overcame all hurdles and she went forward fearlessly, helping her sisters in whichever way she could. Her hard work in difficult situations and places was most edifying and greatly appreciated. Her greatest delight was to spend time with her Lover and Spouse, Jesus, making her own all His desires and intentions. ‘Souls for Christ to win’ was her constant refrain. In her own home, too, she was greatly loved. Her four brothers and two sisters revered her and looked up to her for counsel and advice in their problems and special needs.
Sr. Lawrence joined the community at Kurla (Holy Family Convent) on 14th April 2013. In order to keep her busy she was entrusted with few responsibilities like taking care of guests, helping in the laundry, refectory etc. She spent most of her time praying and her deep desire to be with the Lord motivated her to be in the chapel for hours together. Without fail she recited the Mercy Rosary daily at 3pm. Whenever the Community and the Institution had a special intention to be prayed for, she was entrusted to pray, after which she would enquire about the same. In sickness or health she always had a smile to her chubby face.
I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Rev. Fr. Jacob Britto the Parish Priest of Holy Ghost Church for accepting our request to officiate the Eucharistic celebration for Sr. Lawrence. Thanks to Fr. Thomas Vadakkedath, Parish Priest of Mount Carmel Church, Carmalaram for his homily and for conducting the funeral rites.
My heartfelt thanks to the family members of Sr. Lawrence who were by her side till she breathed her last. A special thanks to the medical faculty at St. John’s Hospital and the generosity and kindness of the Good Shepherd Sisters at St.Martha’s Hospital. I remember gratefully all the priests, religious sisters, brothers, friends, neighbours, and well-wishers who stopped by to pay their last homage to our dear Sr.Lawrence. My sincere thanks to Sr. Elvira our Superior General and her team, our Provincials and the sisters of all the Provinces, and all those who offered prayers and condolences. My thanks and appreciation to all our Ursuline Sisters who have come from far and near to share in this moment of grief and solidarity.
Our dear Sr. Lawrence has gone ahead to the eternal shores of everlasting peace and joy. May she enjoy forever the bliss of paradise and intercede for all of us and the whole world that we too may receive the grace to prepare for this great mystery of death -our real ‘Going Home Day’.
