Sr. Alacoque Konikkara

Obituary of    Sr. Alacoque Chirayath Konikkara-  R.I.P.  16-05-2016 Whether we live or whether we die, we belong to the Lord” (Rom:14/8)  These words of St. Paul were true in the life of Sr. Mary Alacoque.  She left her earthly dwelling on Monday, 16th May 2016 at 12.35 am to open her eyes to the eternal daylight. Sr. Mary Alacoque was born on 25th June 1926 at Pudukad in Thrissur District, Kerala as the eldest child of Mr. Chakkoru and Mariam Chirayath Konikkara. The little girl was christened Anna and received the name Mary Alacoque in religious life.  After her studies she joined our Congregation, the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate at Kannur in 1950, made her Ffrst Profession on 31st May 1953, final Profession in 1956.  She did her studies and became a trained teacher.  She was very responsible and dedicated in the exercise of duties entrusted to her and accomplished them to the best of her ability. She rendered her service in Kannur, Renukoot, Payyannur, Kathgodam, Kanpur, Bangalore and Trivandrum Communities. Sr. Alacoque was a very prayerful person and many people experienced the presence of God through her soothing words and loving presence.  During her retired life at Kannur she engaged herself in forming charismatic prayer groups and helped the people of  Burnacherry Parish to grow  spiritually.  In 2010 she was transferred to Brigida Bhavan, Calicut and spent the rest of her life in prayer and service.   In the first week of April 2016 she became weak and was confined to bed. She was given the anointing of the sick towards the end of April.  As her condition worsened she was admitted to Nirmala Hospital in the the Medical ICCU on 4th May.  She was diagnosed with Cancer of the lungs.   Medically nothing much could be done due to the advanced stage of the illness. There had been no warning symptoms of lung cancer! Her health deteriorated day by day and, on 15th May by 11.30 pm, her condition became serious.  Dr. Sr. Fernanda was called immediately.  Sisters from both the communities rushed to be at her side. As the sisters stood praying beside her she gently breathed her last at 0035 am.  Her mortal remains were brought to Brigida Bhavan at 02.00 am and the sisters kept vigil praying for the dear departed. The funeral Mass began at 9 a.m. Rt. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the bishop of Kannur, along with many Priests. Msgr. Devassy Earathara gave a moving funeral oration, highlighting the selfless service rendered by Sr. Alacoque in bringing spiritual revival in the people of  Burnassery  Parish, Kannur.  She did teach Bible to the members of Charismatic Prayer groups.  He said that  Sr. Alacoque was a person of deep prayer and conviction. May Jesus our life and resurrection shower His blessings on each one who stood by our side at this time of sorrow. Let us pray that Sr. Alacoque who went ahead of us to the heavenly abode, intercede for us to the Lord, to bless her family and our Congregation, the Church and the world at large, with His graces and blessings. May she continue to inspire us from above! May the Lord reward her with the eternal bliss in heaven!