Sr. Alice George Tharappel

“Blessed are those who wash their robes so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates” (Rev. 22:14) Sr. Alice George was born as the first child of George Tharappel and Thresiamma on 10th April 1951 at Thudanganad in Pala Diocese. She lost her mother at the age of 3 and was brought up by her mother’s family. After her High School studies, following her aunt Sr. Jerome UMI, Sr. Alice joined the Ursulines on 9th June 1968. She was sent for TTC in 1968 itself. She pronounced her First Vows on 2nd Feb. 1973 and Final Vows on 3rd May 1978. Sr. Alice rendered her dedicated service for long 45 years, in different schools of our Ursuline management as teacher and HM – in St. Mary’s LPS Vilayancode, Marianad ALPS Pambra, St. Thomas LPS Mangara, St. Mary’s UPS Punchakkad. After her retirement she continued her service as Superior and teacher at Ursuline Public School, Kanhiradukkam, Headmistress at St. Mary’s Convent School, Payyannur. Sr. Alice was always cheerful, loving, caring, and pleasant for which she could attract the hearts of many to Jesus. Her openness and motherly affection opened the way for others to share their joys and sorrows. She was very active in the Parish specially teaching Catechism, animating Mothers’ Association, BCC prayer meetings etc. Sr. Alice was the Headmistress of St. Mary’s Convent School, Kokkanissery from 2009. Even though there were problems and difficulties she was able to overcome all those with her deep faith and dependency on God. All those years she was suffering from Asthma. Since she was having some stomach problems she consulted Doctor at Nirmala Hospital, Calicut. Doctors diagnosed that she had a cyst in the Uterus and suggested for an operation. Since her Platelets were going down the operation was postponed many times. While she was undergoing the treatment the Doctors found that she was suffering from Liver Malignancy. On 29th Sept. 2017 she was taken to Brigida Bhavan, Calicut, for further treatment. She was admitted in the hospital on 4th June as she was seriously ill. She herself felt that her end was nearing and was speaking about it. From 14th June onwards she was almost sinking. Sr. Jerome her Aunt, Sr. Rosilyn her Superior, our sisters and many of her dear and near ones were present at her bed side praying and strengthening her. On 15th afternoon Fr. Christie, the former Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Church, Kokkanissery, came to see her. Although she recognized him, she was not able speak. Fr. Antony Thekkemury from the Diocese of Thalasserry visited her and laying his hand on her head, prayed for her. Towards the end of the prayer, she opened her eyes, shed two drops of tears and breathed her last. Her mortal remains were brought to Brigida Bhavan Convent Chapel at Calicut, and our sisters and relatives spent the whole night in prayer for the departed soul. Priests, sisters and others from Calicut Diocese paid their last homage to her. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal, Bishop of Calicut, concelebrated the Requiem Mass along with Msgr. Thomas Panakkal and many other Priests. Bishop spoke of her goodness and highlighted many of his personal experiences with her. Then her mortal remains were taken to Ursuline Provincialate, Kannur. All the sisters at the Provincial House and from many of our communities were present to receive the mortal remains of Sr. Alice. Many Priests and Religious from the Diocese of Kannur came, prayed and paid their last tribute to her. A note of thanks to Rev. Msgr. Clarence Paliyath, Vicar General, who concelebrated the funeral mass along with her nephew from the Diocese of Palai and other priests. Fr. Christie gave a meaningful funeral oration in which he spoke of the virtues and the committed life of Sr. Alice - her deep spirit of prayer, sisterly love, motherly affection, individual attention to the students, concern for the poor and needy, love and dedication to the assigned duties, pleasant nature and welcoming attitude always with a smile. After the Holy Mass and prayers, the funeral procession made its way to the Holy Trinity Cathedral Cemetery. Rev. Msgr. Clement Langen, the parish Priest of Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, Burnassery, conducted the last rites, gave the final blessing and the mortal remains were laid to rest. I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to Most Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, for his prayerful condolence. My sincere thanks to Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal, Bishop of Calicut, for celebrating the requiem Mass at Brigida Bhavan, Calicut, and his meaningful words about Sr. Alice. May her soul Rest in Peace and may she intercede for our Congregation and the World!