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Sr. Domitilla – Rosamma Pazheparambil
of Poovarani, Kerala, India
who died at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Maryland
on 2nd August 2023
aged 93 years, 68 of Religious Profession
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Ps 23:4) These words of the Psalmist come to our mind when we take look at the life that was lived by Sr. Domitilla. Yes, the ever-radiant smile on her face spoke volumes about her life that she lived fearlessly, loving God and his people; because she knew that God was with her.
Sr. Domitilla, nee Rosamma Pazheparambil was born on 13th May 1930 in Poovarani, Kottayam district, Palai diocese in Kerala. Her parents are late Mr. Abraham Pazheparambil and Mrs. Elizabeth Pazheparambil.She is the youngest among nine siblings.
From her very early childhood, Sr. Domitilla nurtured an ardent desire to love and serve her Lord and master, which led her to embrace the missionary religious life which was neither encouraged nor very prevalent in those days. Eventually, the mighty hand of God brought her to the family of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy, Visakhapatnam. She entered the Novitiate on July 2, 1952. Sister made her first vows on January 18, 1955 and her Final commitment on January 6, 1965.
Sr. Domitilla rendered her services in the following Communities in various capacities: Annavaram, Salur, Kakinada, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Montosoro, Hyderabad, St. Joseph’s Hospital (Maryland), Waltair and St. Joseph’s Home.
Kindness, gentleness, approachability, understanding, generosity and motherliness were the most outstanding values that adorned her personality. She radiated happiness and comfort to everyone around her. Sister loved being among children in the boardings, catering to their every need without counting the cost and directing them to a bright future. She encouraged the young boys in the boarding to join the seminary and some of them are still grateful to her for nurturing the seed of vocation in them. Still, they hold that Sr. Domitilla is their vocation promotor.
Sister was always very young at heart, quickly adapting to the changing times and attracting both young and old towards her. Age was never a barrier for her. Sister was always very active in all the community activities. She cherished and nurtured relationships, enjoyed the company of others and treated the other with love and due respect. Thus, she occupied a place in everyone’s heart. Sr. Domitilla was a great devotee of our Mother Mary and eagerly looked forward to participating in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration at Ross Hill, especially on the first Saturday of every month, which was a delight for her.
From the month of June, it was noticed that Sr. Domitilla’s health was gradually deteriorating, and she was admitted in Maryland hospital for better care and attention. On August 2nd, around 5 p.m., Sister’s saturation level started dropping and gradually she breathed her last at 8 p.m., surrounded by the company of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Home and Maryland community. Her peaceful and blessed passing away gives us the assurance that Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the angels were at her bedside to take her to the bosom of God.
As we bid farewell to Sr. Domitilla, who has completed her earthly pilgrimage, we express our deepest thanks and gratitude to all the family members of Sr. Domitila for gifting her to the Church and to the Religious family of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy. We express or sincere thanks to Fr D. Bala Showry, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam for having readily consented to celebrate the final rites of our dear Sister. We are grateful to all the Fathers and Sisters who were present at the funeral Mass. May the soul of Sr. Domitila enjoy the company of the saints and rest in the peace of the Risen Lord!