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Nom: Sr. Georgina Kannenkeril
“Arise, My Love, My Fair One and Come Away.”
(Song of Solomon 2:14)
Sr. Georgina Kannenkeril was born on 22nd May 1937 at Kumblangi, Bolghatty to Mrs. & Mr. Teresia and George. She was baptized as Elizabeth at St. Sebastian’s Church in Bolghatty on 28th May 1937 and confirmed on 19th January 1947. Elizabeth lost her father at the tender age of six. So her mother’s family, Kaniampuram, took charge of the four siblings and met all their needs, under the guidance of their uncle Fr. Xavier Kaniampuram.
Her primary education was at St. Sebastian’s School, Bolghatty and High School studies from St. Mary’s Convent School, Ernakulam.
Following the good example of their aunt, Sr. Stacia Francis CSJ, the four siblings – Srs. Lucy, Giacinta, Georgina and Teresa joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery at Kamptee. Elizabeth entered religious life on 17th June 1954 and was given the name Georgina on the day of her Vestition, 5th January 1955 at Kamptee. She made her First Profession on 5th January 1957 and Final Profession on 5th January 1962 at Kamptee. She completed her graduation in Arts from Sagar University in 1978 and her B.Ed from Regional College, Bhopal in 1980.
Sr. Georgina has been a teacher by profession and taught the students diligently. She began her ministry of serving God in Bilaspur and continued in this profession in the communities at Kamptee, Idgah Hills, Nagpur, Ratlam, Jabalpur, Khandwa, Sambalpur, Sagar, Itarsi and Pulluvazhi. She also rendered her services in the Archdiocesan Schools - St. Joseph’s Co-Ed School, Arera Colony, Bhopal and Pipariya. Besides the mission of teaching, she rendered her services as Primary & K.G Headmistress, Librarian, office in charge and boarding mistress.
Sr. Georgina used to tell stories about Jesus to the children and motivated them to pray to Jesus. At her retirement she was engaged in the prayer ministry in Prarthanalaya in Pachmarhi, Tanmaya Provincial House, Bhopal and Sneh Sadan Ashta.
Sr. Georgina was a prayerful, empathetic, loving and cheerful person. She was an embodiment of joy and expressed the same by sharing tiny tokens of love. She took care of things meticulously. She was a relational person and showed her affection towards bishops, priests, sisters and friends.
In spite of her age related problems like arthritis, diabetes and heart ailments, she continued small services in the community till the end of her life. She was transferred to Sneh Sadan in 2018 as she needed special care. She was an ardent lover of Mother Mary. She spent the greater part of her time in prayer and prepared herself to meet her heavenly bridegroom.
On 25th October, Sr. Philo and Team visited the Sisters at Ashta to meet the senior sisters and receive their blessings. Sr. Georgina was very excited to welcome them and enjoyed some time being with them. Later when the community gathered for a meeting to study the Gospel of St. John Chapter 15, what was shared by S. Georgina was very striking. She said “Abide in me as I abide in you” This was indeed her parting message to those around her.
After supper Sr. Irene, the Animator accompanied her to the room and helped her to get into bed. On 26th morning, Sr. Maria Fernandes went to her room to assist her to get ready for Mass. She realized that Sr. Georgina was no more. Dr. Sr. Betsy was called in and she declared that sister had died of cardiac arrest. Jesus her beloved Bridegroom came at night to welcome her to the heavenly home. May she enjoy eternal bliss.
We appreciate the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio, Archbishop Emeritus of Bhopal Archdiocese, the main celebrant, who officiated at the funeral mass along with Fr. Ishwardas, the V.G. of our Archdiocese, Fr. Joanedius, the Parish Priest and many other priests from the diocese. Many sisters from the Province of Pachmarhi and sisters from the neighbouring Congregations were present to bid farewell to our beloved Sr. Georgina. We thank God for the gift of our dear Sr. Georgina to her family, to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery and to the Church.
Once again, we thank you S. Georgina for your life, which has been a blessing, for us. Your memory we will always treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. We bid you a fond farewell. All pains and aches gone now, rest in peace in the bosom of our heavenly Father.
Sisters of Sneh Sadan, Ashta
