Most Holy Redeemer Church Bids Farewell to Sr. Maria Goretti Aranha Back

Most Holy Redeemer Church Bids Farewell to Sr. Maria Goretti Aranha

The sudden demise of Sr. Maria Goretti Aranha, Headmistress of St. Ann’s English Medium School, Kuntikan, and a member of the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence, on 9 September 2026, came as a profound shock to the members of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, as well as to her family, friends, students, and all those who knew and loved her.

Sr. Maria Goretti had been serving the Derebail Parish community for the past four years, during which time she became a much-loved and respected member of the parish. Her sudden passing left the community deeply saddened, as many gathered to bid a final farewell to a person whose life was marked by dedication, warmth, and service.

The funeral ceremony was held at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, on 11 September 2026. The viewing took place from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., accompanied by a solemn prayer service led by the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence, together with members of the Derebail Parish community. The numerous floral tributes offered in her memory bore testimony to the profound impact Sr. Maria had on the lives of the many people she encountered during her years of service.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha paid his respects to Sr. Maria Goretti and offered prayers in her honour. He also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence, and all those who mourned her passing, praying that God would grant them strength and consolation during this time of grief.

The Funeral Mass commenced at 3.30 p.m. in the presence of Sr. Maria’s family, the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence, the Derebail Parish community, her former and present students, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. The entire liturgy was led by the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence.

Sr. Maria was remembered through a series of eulogies and floral tributes. Sr. Florine of the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence delivered the principal eulogy, followed by a floral tribute from Sr. Jascintha Saldanha, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence. Mr. Denzil Fernandes, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, also delivered a eulogy, remembering Sr. Maria’s contribution to the parish and the wider community.

Further tributes were offered by representatives of CRI Mangalore, the Headmasters’ Association of Mangalore, the staff of St. Ann’s English Medium School, Kuntikan, the Lay Associates of St. Ann’s, members of Mudgal Parish, the Old Students’ Association, and several other organisations and associations with which Sr. Maria had been associated. Each tribute reflected the deep respect, affection, and gratitude with which she was remembered by the many communities she had served.

Following the Funeral Mass, Sr. Maria Goretti’s mortal remains were taken to the Angelore Parish Cemetery, where she was laid to rest.

The funeral arrangements were coordinated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis, and the Associate Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Steevan Nelson Peris, along with the members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail. Their efforts ensured that the final farewell to Sr. Maria Goretti was conducted with dignity, reverence, and prayerful solemnity.

The passing of Sr. Maria Goretti Aranha has indeed left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew her. Her years of dedicated service as a religious sister, educator, and compassionate member of the community will remain cherished in the memories of those whose lives she touched. As Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, mourns her loss, the parish community joins her family, the Sisters of St. Ann’s Providence, her students, colleagues, and friends in commending her soul to the loving mercy of God and praying that she may rest in eternal peace.

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