Sr. Mary Lawrence SIC Enters Eternal Rest

Tiruvalla, 13 March 2025 – The faithful of the Bethany Congregation mourn the passing of Sr. Mary Lawrence SIC (89), a devoted servant of Christ, who entered eternal rest. A life marked by prayer, education, and dedicated service to the Church has now found its fulfilment in the Lord’s embrace.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, 15 March 2025, at 3 PM at the Thirumoolapuram Bethany Convent Chapel, with His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla, and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mor Stephanos, Bishop of the Eparchy of USA and Canada, leading the liturgical rites. The mortal remains will be brought to the Thirumoolapuram Provincial House at 8 AM on the same day for the faithful to pay their respects.

Life of Devotion and Service

Born into the Pynummoottil family of Bharanikkavu, Sasthamcotta, Sr. Mary Lawrence was the beloved daughter of the late P.V. Varkey and Sosamma. Her journey of religious life spanned decades, deeply touching countless lives in her various assignments.

She served in multiple Bethany convents across Kerala, including Thirumoolapuram, Chengaroor, Chunkapara, Peechi, Veliyanad, Cherukulanji, Pazhavangadi, Kalathipady Generalate, Vennikulam, and Mannar. In these communities, she was a pillar of guidance, leading as a Superior, nurturing vocations, and strengthening the spirit of the congregation.

Her commitment to education was equally profound. She dedicated herself to shaping young minds as a teacher and headmistress in several institutions:

• St. George’s School, Chunkapara
• St. Theresa’s School, Chengaroor
• St. Paul’s School, Veliyanad
• Bethany Ashram School, Cherukulanji
• St. Mary’s School, Pazhavangadi

She also served as a General Provincial Councillor, playing a vital role in the administration and mission of the Bethany Congregation.

Let us Pray

As the Church bids farewell to a faithful daughter, we are reminded that a consecrated life is never lost, but rather transformed into a legacy that continues through the prayers and sacrifices of the faithful. Let us pray for the eternal repose of her soul, that she may now partake in the heavenly joy she longed for and intercede for us before the Throne of Grace.

“Blessed are those who die in the Lord… for their deeds follow them” (Revelation 14:13).