“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will give me on that day” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8
With deep faith in God and profound gratitude for a life generously given in the service of God and humanity, we bid a prayerful farewell to our beloved Sr Gracilda Dias, a dedicated nurse, compassionate religious, and loving daughter of St. Angela and St Francis.
Sr Gracilda Dias, whose maiden name was Magdaline Dias, was born on 18 March 1947 to the Late Mr Sylvester Dias and the Late Mrs. Cecelia Dias, belonging to Our Lady of Health Parish, Shirva, in the Diocese of Udupi. She was the third among five children. She grew up in a loving family with two elder sisters and two younger brothers, with whom she shared a deep and affectionate bond. From her early years, she was a simple, sincere and caring person.
Sr Gracilda received her primary education at Don Bosco School, Shirva, and completed her higher secondary education at Hindu High School, Shirva. It was during these formative years that the Lord began to gently lead her towards a special vocation. Having completed her SSLC, she felt the call of God and courageously responded to it. In June 1966, she joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, placing her young life completely in the hands of God. After completing her religious formation, Sr Gracilda made her Temporary Profession on 8 May 1970. From 1970 to 1973, she underwent professional training in General Nursing at Fr. Muller's Hospital, Mangaluru. Thus began a lifelong ministry through which she would become an instrument of God's healing, compassion and tenderness to countless sick and suffering people.
After completing her nursing training, she set out generously for mission wherever she was sent. She served in several communities and institutions, caring for the sick with remarkable dedication. Her missionary journey took her to Bharvasha Nilaya, Tumarikoppa, Christa Raja Convent, Naganahalli, and Shanthi Convent, Shanthipura, in Karnataka and Sacred Heart Convent, Chizami, Nagaland where she was the first nurse to begin the healing ministry. Later, she was sent to Uttar Pradesh, where she served at Hartmann Convent, Izzatnagar, Bareilly for 36 years in three terms, Shree Yesu Ashram, Mirpur and St. James Convent, Hardoi.
Sr Gracilda was known for her motherly heart. She was kind, compassionate and deeply sensitive towards the poor, the sick and the suffering. She had a special warmth and affection towards everyone who came into contact with her. Patients found in her not merely a nurse but a motherly presence. Families found encouragement in her. The poor found someone who would listen to them and care for them with dignity. Her compassion was not limited to words. It was expressed through countless acts of selfless service. Many lives were saved and many people received a new lease of life through her dedication, sacrifice and commitment. She often worked round the clock in the service of the sick, giving of herself without counting the cost. Her life reminds us of the beautiful words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” She had a deep respect and reverence for the Congregation and for the Church authorities. She had a good rapport with the local doctors and health officials at Bareilly. She would visit them on different occasions and share a very affectionate bond with them.
The final years of Sr Gracilda’s life were marked by increasing physical suffering and health challenges. For nearly two years, she struggled with serious kidney and lung-related ailments. In January 2026, she was admitted to Pratap and Vedanta Hospitals in Bareilly, and was later shifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Lucknow, for better treatment. During this period, she underwent a tracheotomy, which left her unable to speak. However, she continued to communicate with others through writing and gestures. It was truly remarkable that, even in her own weakness and pain, she remained deeply concerned about others. Whenever people came to visit her, she would enquire about their health and well-being, reflecting her thoughtful, caring, and selfless nature. As her health improved, she was shifted to Hartmann Health Centre, Bareilly, where the Sisters cared for her with great love, affection, and dedication, attending to her needs round the clock. Gradually, she showed encouraging signs of recovery. She regained her strength and began moving about the house, engaging in small daily activities. This period of improvement brought renewed hope to those around her.
However, in September 2026, her health deteriorated once again. As she required specialised medical facilities, she was shifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, in the hope of receiving better treatment. She was admitted to the hospital for the second time on 20 September 2026. As her condition worsened, she was placed on a ventilator and had to undergo dialysis. Despite the medical care and every effort made to sustain her life, her health continued to decline day by day. Eventually, a moment came when human efforts and medical interventions could go no further, and all had to surrender to the unfathomable mystery of God’s will.
Throughout these difficult days, many priests and religious visited her, prayed with her, and offered her spiritual support. Their presence, prayers, and companionship were a source of comfort and strength, reminding her and all those around her that she was not alone on her final journey. The Sisters of the Congregation offered continuous prayers for her recovery. Very Rev. Sr. Milly Fernandes, our Superior General, who had a special affection for Sr Gracilda, enquired about her condition constantly and remained deeply concerned about her well-being. With faith and trust in God, Sr. Gracilda continued to be surrounded by the love, prayers, and care of her religious family during her final days.
Most Rev. Ignatius D'Souza, Bishop of Bareilly, who had a special love and concern for Sr Gracilda, frequently visited her at Hartmann, enquired about her health. He also visited her at the hospitals and prayed for her. His pastoral concern and prayerful presence brought comfort to the Sisters and to all those accompanying her during those final days. Sr Gracilda’s family members were in constant touch with her. Through video calls and WhatsApp messages they would connect to her regularly. Their visits during her illness brought a lot of consolation and comfort to her.
As her condition became critical, Sr Gracilda gradually lost the ability to recognize those around her. Her earthly journey was drawing to a close. The woman who had spent her life caring for the sick now became the one who needed the care and presence of others. The nurse who had held the hands of countless suffering people was now being gently accompanied on her own final journey. On 8 October, Fr Simon Fernandes, the parish priest of Gomti Nagar parish, administered the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Perhaps at that moment, the words of Jesus became especially meaningful: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
On 11 October 2026, at 5.20 a.m., Sr Gracilda peacefully surrendered her life into the hands of the Lord, the giver of life. After years of loving service, sacrifice and dedication, she returned to the one whom she had served faithfully throughout her consecrated life. Her death is a moment of sorrow for UFS congregation, her family, the Diocese of Bareilly, her companions in religious life, and the countless people whose lives she touched.
Sr Gracilda's deeds will indeed follow her. They will live on in the lives of the patients she cared for, the poor whom she served, the families whom she comforted, the sisters with whom she lived, the priests and religious whom she respected, and all those who experienced her warmth, kindness and motherly affection. Sr Gracilda Dias served at the bedside of the sick, the poor and the forgotten. She served her Congregation with loyalty. She served the Church with reverence. She served her family with affection. And above all, she served Christ in every person entrusted to her care. As we mourn her passing, we also give thanks to God for the precious gift of Sr. Gracilda's life. We thank God for her vocation, her nursing ministry, her missionary spirit, her generous heart and her many years of faithful service.
Sr Gracilda’s mortal remains were brought to the chapel of Jeevan Dhara Convent, Lucknow on 12 October at 11:00 a.m. The funeral Mass was celebrated at 3:00 p.m., presided over by Most Rev. Gerald John Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow, along with Most Rev. Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly, and 25 other priests.
Sisters of the North Province, Sisters from other Congregations, her family members, staff of Hartmann Health Centre, and parishioners of Gaurabagh and Hartmann parishes, UFLA members, friends, and well-wishers of Sr Gracilda gathered to pay their last respects and bid her a tearful farewell. Her mortal remains were laid to rest at Nishat Ganj Christian Cemetery, Lucknow.
Dear Sr Gracilda, you came into this world as a gift, you lived as a servant, you suffered with courage, and you have now returned to your Creator. Your nursing hands may now be still, but the healing you brought to others will never be forgotten. Your voice may have fallen silent, but the words of comfort you spoke will continue to echo in the hearts of many. Your earthly journey has ended, but the love you shared remains. You have completed your race. You have kept the faith. You have given your life in loving service.
Rest now in the peace of Christ, dear Sr Gracilda until we meet again in the heavenly home. May your life of compassion, sacrifice and service remain an inspiration to all of us.
