Dear Fathers, Sisters, family members, friends and all gathered here in faith,
Today, as we commend our beloved Sister Pushpa Paruvananical to the loving embrace of God, I am grateful to the Lord for the gift of her life and vocation. I feel privileged to remember a Sister whose life has been a gentle yet powerful witness to prayer, simplicity, discipline and compassionate service.
Born on Sept. 22, 1947, in Menichil, Kerala, to the late Philip K.J. and Annamma, Sister Pushpa (Licy) was the eldest of 10 children. She has joined her sister Mary and brother Toy in heaven. Her early years in a devout Catholic family nurtured in her a spirit of prayer and responsibility. Her love for the sick gradually grew into a desire to dedicate her life to nursing and service.
On June 5, 1966, she left her family and traveled to Mokama to join the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Her aunt, Sister Bridget Kappalumakal, SCN, and her cousin, Sister Mercy Thundathil, SCN, were already members of our Congregation. Their connection with the SCN family became a special link in her vocational journey. She made her first vows on Sept. 27, 1974, and her final vows on Dec. 1, 1980. The words she heard interiorly during her first profession, “I have become poor in order to make you rich,” continued to strengthen her throughout her religious life.
Sister Pushpa completed her pre-university course (PUC) at Ram Ratan College in 1967. She then pursued registered nurse and registered midwife (RNRM) training at Nazareth Hospital, Mokama, from 1968 to 1970. In 1982, she further enhanced her professional skills by completing public health nurse training at Lady Reading Health School in Delhi, preparing herself to serve the sick and the community with greater knowledge and commitment.
Sister Pushpa’s missionary journey began at Nazareth Hospital, Mokama, in 1974, where she worked in the public health department until 1976. In 1976, she was assigned to Lupungutu, Chaibasa, to oversee the dispensary. From Chaibasa, she moved to the dispensary in Bihar Sharif. For six years (1978-81 and 1990-93), she served the people and conducted outreach programs in the villages. In 1982, she went to Chatra in Jharkhand and in 1983 to Mandair. In both places, she worked in the dispensary, reaching out to the people most in need. From 1993 to 2013, she was in Gomoh, overseeing the dispensary and girls’ hostel, where she served people affected by leprosy. She visited families of leprosy patients and took care of the patients very lovingly.
She cared for elderly Sisters at Nazareth Convent, Mokama (2013-14), and also served as a school health nurse at Nazareth Academy, Gaya (2014-15). She began overseeing the hostel in Gumla in July 2015 and continued until she became ill in September 2026.
Most of her time as an active Sister in mission was spent in rural villages where minimal facilities were available. As an expert public health nurse, she brought health and healing to remote villages. She bore witness to Christ’s healing presence among the sick, poor, lonely and forgotten. Through nursing, prayer, counseling and compassionate accompaniment, she gave herself generously to the most deserving people.
Her mission extended beyond medical care. She visited families, walked village roads, learned the local language, encouraged children to attend school and accompanied young girls. People remember her disciplined life and commitment to yoga, meditation and naturopathic medicines, which she also encouraged in others. By example and personal encouragement, she guided young Sisters to lead a committed life.
Dear Sister Pushpa, your life reminds us that greatness lies not in what we possess, but in how generously we give ourselves. Even when poor health limited your movements, your desire to serve remained alive. Your chosen words, “Praise and thank God at all times,” express the faith that sustained you through the joys and challenges of your life.
To Sister Pushpa’s beloved family, we offer our sincere gratitude for gifting your dear Licy Chechi to our SCN family. Thank you for the love, care and concern you have always shown her, and especially for visiting her during her hospitalization in Patna and Mokama. Your presence and affection have been a source of comfort to her and to us.
We know that surrendering someone so dear is never easy. As you place your beloved Chechi into the loving hands of God, we pray that the Lord will strengthen you with courage, surround you with his comforting presence and fill your hearts with peace. May you find consolation in knowing that her life of prayer and loving service has touched many lives and will continue to bear fruit in our Congregation and beyond. We remain united with you in prayer and gratitude for the precious gift of Sister Pushpa.
Dear Sisters Bridget and Mercy, as you bid farewell to your dear Licy, we are with you in grieving the loss.
As a province, we thank God for her fidelity, generous heart and treasured presence among us. May the Lord whom she served so faithfully welcome her into the fullness of eternal life.
Dear Sister Pushpa, with deep affection and gratitude, we commend you to God. You will always remain a cherished member of our SCN family. May you now rest in the eternal embrace of the One whom you loved and served so faithfully.