Theresa D’ Souza was born on 1st October 1939, at Bondel in Mangalore. She was the 5th among 8 children born to Diego and Maria. She has four brothers and three sisters. Specially she was very fond of her eldest brother, the Late Mangalore Bishop, Basil D’ Souza. She was one of the first Indian sisters who joined the Congregation of Sister Disciples in India at Allahabad, in the house of Society of St. Paul. At a young age, with courage and full of trust, she followed the Call of God. Leaving her own country and loved once she joined her novitiate in Italy (Rome) in the year 1961. At the completion of her one year of Novitiate, along with her 51 companions from various countries she took her first vows in the year 1962 and took the profession name as Sr. Alphonsa. After four years she returned to India in the year 1966 and made her perpetual Profession in the year 1967 at Mumbai Prathanalaya.
In the year 1977 she returned to Italy to render her service in various apostolic fields. From Italy she was sent to the United states and remained there till the year1983. She was called back to Rome again in the year 1984. After two years due to her illness she returned to India in year 1986.
After returning to India she spent most of her life in this Community. For the Past 30 years she was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and was constantly under medication. All through her life She suffered tremendously and was subjected to various treatments. She was known for her strong will power which enabled her to keep herself up till her death. She fought till the end and refused to give up her spirit of sacrifice. In spite of her pain and illness she did all her responsibilities that was entrusted to her with love and sincerity. She took active part in all the community activities including rising early in the morning which cost her a lot.
Three weeks ago she had to gone to Mangalore for a short home visit and was back to the community after four days. After which she was confined to bed with fever. On 25th January at midnight she complained of breathlessness and was rushed to St. Philomina’s hospital. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and was immediately admitted to ICU. On 2nd February at 4.00 am she surrendered herself in to the hands of God. let us pray earnestly for her soul that she may rest in peace.
