By Purushottam Nayak
Balasore: The diocese of Balasore in Odisha state has expressed shock and grief over the death of Holy Family nun because of Covid-19.
Sister Pouline Moonjely, superior of the congregation’s convent in Bhadrak, died July 30 in a hospital in Bhubaneswar, the state capital. She was 57.
The funeral is scheduled at 10:30 am on August 2, in the cemetery of Navjyothi provincial house in Thrissur, Kerala.
“We lost a good religious sister and a zealous missionary who was well prepared to render her service at Jyothi Convent School, Bhadrak,” Said Father Isaac Puthenangady, the administrator of Balasore diocese.
The priests and nuns of the diocese had prayed for Sister Moonjely’s speedy recovery in the past one month.
“We accept the Lord’s plan and seek his grace to face this painful moment,” Father Puthenangady told Matters India.
Sister Jessin Therese, head of Thrissur-based Navjyothi province, said Sister Moonjely’s death “is a great loss for the congregation. She was active and energetic to carry out her responsibilities for the greater glory of God.”
Sister Jessin Rose, a member of the Bhadrak community, said the death has disheartened them. Sister Moonjely “was friend of students, community members, people in need and destitute.”
Sister Moonjely was admitted to Jyothi Hospital in Balasore on June 29 after she tested Covid-19 positive. On the advice of doctors she was shifted to the Advanced Medical Research Institute (AMRI) Hospital in Bhubaneswar on July 5. She was discharged on July 24 and taken to the congregation’s convent in Nayagargh for post Covid care treatment.
However, on July 30, she was rushed to the Bhubaneswar hospital after she developed problems. The doctors found her heart, kidney, liver, brain and lungs severely affected. She was administered the last sacrament hours before her death at 10:22 pm on that day.
Sister Moonjely, who became a nun in 1991, came to Bhadrak on June 3. Earlier, she had taught in several schools in Kerala and Mumbai.
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and the Congregation she belonged. RIP to the departed soul
Sad loss. Respectful farewell to Sister Pouline Moonjely. Strength and courage to all her loved ones. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon the departed soul.