Sr. Hilaria Nedumkallel

Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those of the family of faith.” (Gal. 6:9) The above wording is the secret of Sr. Hilaria’s cheerful personality and her achievement in the Pastoral Ministry blended with prayer and penitence. It is very much inspiring to note that the people for whom she was entrusted with; are able to adapt a life style centered on the Holy Eucharist and the Word of God. The pivot of her life was prayer and deep faith in the providence of God coupled with right discernment in seeking the will of God. Here is the story of Sr. Hilaria - a wonderful woman who was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Her life story started on 24th December 1945 as the eighth child of the ten siblings of late N. K. Chacko and late Annamma Chacko at Kalloorkad in Kothamangalam Diocese with the baptismal name Bridgit. She joined our Congregation on 15.09.1962, pronounced the first vows on 27.05.1965 and the final profession on 31.05.1970. It is with great sadness that the Ursuline family announced the departure of Sr. Hilaria, who after a courageous struggle with cancer was called to eternal reward on Monday, 27th August 2018, at 7 a.m., due to "terminal cancer with cardio respiratory failure" at the age of 73. She had five brothers and four sisters of whom three are religious sisters - the eldest one Sr. Rose Chacko FMM and Sr. Gertrude and Sr. Carla both UMI sisters. Sr. Hilaria was very much noted for the works of mercy. She believed strongly in the promises of Jesus and put all her trust in Him in all situations of life. She was an active and vibrant person who made her presence felt wherever she lived, that all who have lived with her will always remember her. She touched the human hearts with compassion, love and kindness without cast or creed and transformed them into good grounds to receive the Word of God. She rightly knew how to take care of the young and old; sick and dying; children and babes and lived in the midst of the people, in human hearts. She was very particular in teaching Catechism, devotional hymns, recitation of the rosary and admonished the faithful to live the sacramental life in its fullness. Her ability to teach fine arts and gardening to the young children was very much appreciated. She was able to help families with different problems and provide them solace and comfort by her gift of prayer and counselling skills. Her favourite hymn “Yesuvinalmave enne shuddekarikkaname…” she used to sing everyday in front of the Blessed Sacrament invoking the presence of God. She was open and simple with a ready heart to forgive anyone or to ask forgiveness of anyone. Her hearty laughter brought ripples of happiness to those around. She would go out of her way and be ready to make any sacrifice when it was a question of helping a needy person. She had no complaints for anything; she conquered suffering, as she lived so she died peacefully. She was an excellent educator, teaching in our schools, such as Kokkanissery, Burnacherry, Punchakkad, Pariyaram, Vilayancode, Pambra, Mangara, Vizhinjam and Mannarkkad. It was clearly evident that she loved her students and always wanted to do the best for them. She truly believed that teaching was the ministry where she could do God’s will best by shaping the minds and hearts of children. She was very actively involved in the pastoral ministry at Trikarpur, Kurumathur, Kannur and Kundannur. Her compassion and concern towards the poor was remarkable and praise worthy. She was a woman of prayer and many went to her with their prayer requests because they knew that most of her prayers were answered. She loved the Lord very much. When her health declined she was admitted in Nirmala Hospital, Calicut, and remained under treatment in Brigida Bhavan, Calicut from 2017. The call came to her on 27th August at 7.00 a.m. She will always be remembered for her spirit of prayer, patience and goodness to everyone. After the requiem Mass at Brigida Bhavan, Calicut officiated by Rev. Msgr. Thomas Panackal and many other priests, her mortal remains were brought to Ursuline Convent, Payyambalam on the same day, by 7.00 p.m. Our sisters, her relatives, priests and people from different walks of life spent the whole night praying for the repose of the soul. The funeral Service was held on 28th, at 10:00 a.m. Rt. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of Kannur, was the main celebrant for the Eucharistic celebration. Msgr. Clement Langen, the Parish Priest, Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, Burnassery, Rev.Fr. George Painadath, Procurator of the Diocese and 15 other priests were the concelebrants. After the holy Mass, the funeral procession moved to Holy Trinity Cathedral cemetery, where the mortal remains of our dear Sr. Hilaria was laid to rest. The last rites and the final blessing were given by the Asst. Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Martin Mathew. Sr. Hilaria is no more with us physically but her fond memories will remain especially in the hearts of those who had received her generous help and support in times of need. May the Lord welcome and reward our Sr. Hilaria into His Heavenly Glory! May she intercede for us from above and shower down God’s blessings upon each of us!