Bhubaneswar: Holy Spirit Sister Bernadisa Inocencia Pacis, a zealous Filipino, died after her 55 years of dedicated service in India.
“Living her country, dedicating her life totally for the service of poorest of the poor, down trodden, marginalized, suppressed and oppressed in India more specially in Odisha, Jharsuguda Province was an example to everyone in the congregation,” said Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.
The Divine Word prelate’s congregation was also founded by the same person.
Her service will make immortal, he added.
“I will remember her as a gentle intelligent, self reliance and pleasant person,” said Sr. Agnes, former Holy Spirit provincial. She had the opportunity to go back but she remained in India. She led as provincial Leader, was involved as Novice Director, added Sr. Agnes.
“It is a big loss for the congregation and especially for our Bhubaneswar community. She was an inspiration and motivation for the members in the community. She was prayerful, was concerned for everyone. She was fully involved with the reality of the world. She was up-to- date of every day affairs of the world. She was for us a model,” said Sr. Beena, community leader in Bhubaneswar. Sr. Bernadisa was a caring, loving and a person oriented throughout her life. Sr. Beena added in her statement.
Her entry into Indian mission was on 4 th February 1961. Sister was a born teacher and instructor, having Masters in Psychology and Home Science, taught in St. Raphael’s Girls School, Indore for seven years (1961-1968) during her initial years. She had burning zeal for mission even at a very early age. Leaving everything that meant home, with no thought of ever returning was not easy. “We remember her beginnings, marked by simplicity, yet filled with a spirit of joyful sacrifice, and passion for mission, ever conscious that she was SENT in the name of the TRIUNE GOD, who gave her the fortitude to face hostilities and hardships with faith, through years of uphill struggles. The years that followed, took her into greater involvement in the Indian mission,” said Sr. Rezina George SSpS the present Provincial of Jharsuguda.
Sr. Bernadisa was appointed as the Regional Superior of Indian mission in 1971 and she served the region in this capacity for two terms until 1980. Having recognized her qualities as a good formator and guide she was appointed as the Novice Directress (Novice directress for 6 years –
1980-1986). She served as the Community Leader Pavitra Atma Nivas Bangalore from 1986 to 1991. The call to sister to lead the Region of Bostwana in 1991 (1991-1994). At the age of 66 a foreign mission mandate as Regional Leader will surely invite oneself to place at the feet of the Lord. Sr. Bernadisa did. Like Abraham she trusted in the Lord. Sr. Bernadisa was reappointed to India in 1995. Sister chose the Province of India East, – the least familiar and the most remote.
She served as Provincial Treasurer from 1996-1997. “The congregation is proud of Sr. Bernadisa who was truly a wonderful gift from the Triune God, a great missionary and an inspiration to all of us. Beauty and intelligence, gentleness and listening capacity, homeliness and care, faithfulness and perseverance, rootedness in the Creator, in oneself and to the Congregation,” Provincial added. “I would describe of her. A disciplined and integrated person. She brought life wherever she was. She brought people together no matter from what religion they came from or whether they were rich or poor,” Sr. Wilma the Vice Provincial said.
From 1998-2007 Sr. Bernadisa led the new community – Holy Spirit Convent Kolkata, as Community Leader. After completing two terms as community Leader she continued her multi cultural mission involvement in Kolkata until 2012. Her Diamond jubilee was celebrated on May 2010 in Bhubaneswar. On 14 th May 2015 she celebrated her 65 years of Religious Profession. Sr. Bernadisa breathed her last peacefully on 26 th October 2016 at 1:00 AM in AMRI Hospital. The funeral will be on 29 October, 2016 in Jharsuguda.
The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, also known as Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, or simply Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS) Latin: Servae Spiritus Sancti) is a religious congregation within the Catholic Church. The group has more than 4,000 members giving service Asia, Africa, America, Europe, Oceania altogether in 52 different countries. The congregation was founded by Saint Arnold Janseen in 1889 in Steyl, the Netherlands. Janssen selected Maria Helena Stollenwerk (1852)-1900) and Hendrina Stenmanns, called Mother Josepha (1852-1903) as first leaders and granted them the title of co-foundresses. Helena Stollenwerk became also the Co-Foundress of the Congregation Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (Officially called Servants of the
Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration). Jannsen also founded (in 1975) a male missionary congregation called Divine Word Missionaries.
This community of religious women is rooted in the Trinitarian spirituality.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they, in collaboration with dedicated laity and clergy, live and proclaim the Gospel of God’s love, justice, and peace.
In dialogue with people of diverse cultures and traditions. They minister and journey together promoting human dignity and life-giving relationships.
They have ministry of education, Primary health care (clinics /hospitals) Outreach (elderly, Slum dwellers, prisoners, migrants, refugees, women, street children, youth, families).