She brought kindness, compassion and much needed sense of humour to all
The 3rd month death anniversary of Sister Mary Irene fell on November 20. Sr Mary Irene (Emmo) after her father’s loss, at a very early stage in life realized that her call was to serve the Lord. She was passionate in serving humanity and practised humility and simplicity, which were the outstanding virtues of St. Francis of Assisi. Sr. Mary Irene was born on May 10, 1921 to Joseph and Nellie Perera and was the eldest of five siblings. On June 13, 1942 she joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Novitiate at Mattakuliya and proceeded to take her first and final vows in 1945 and 1948 respectively. She served in different parts of the island – Moratuwa, Kalaoya, Minneriya, Mahiyagana and Mattakuliya.
At the time when leprosy was highly infectious without proper medicine to treat the disease, Sr. Emmo volunteered to look after the leprosy patients and went through the jungles of Minneriya and other areas in the North Central Province in search of patients who were in hiding and marginalized by society. She would attend to their material needs, dress their wounds and give them medicines too. She was unwavering and nursed them with dedication and commitment. Even when she was in her late 80s she visited the patients regularly and even organised a Christmas party for them every year.
She was selfless, giving whatever she could to the needy and was at all times compassionate towards the poor, sick and the neglected. Her compassion for the poor had no limits. Wherever she was, she would visit them and try to satisfy their needs always. She also engaged in a variety of other apostolate services like teaching, taking Holy Communion to the sick etc.,
She did all this with a smile, and I have never seen her complaining or angry. Her love and compassion made everyone around her feel the radiating joy emanating from her. Being a very light hearted person, she always blended her conversation with humour. Sr. Emmo was never known to hurt anyone with words or action, in fact her smile won our hearts.
There aren’t enough words to express the love and gratitude I feel towards Sister Emmo. She was so kind, and was so much fun to be with.She brought kindness, compassion and much needed sense of humour to all - in fact I am amazed at her sense of humour! Blessed with an outgoing personality, she reached out to everyone - young, old, rich or poor and built up relationships with all and sundry.
She was called to rest on August 20, after 75 years in religious service and I believe she is already with St Francis of Assisi in heaven today. “Thank you” seems hardly adequate to Sr. Emmo who gave this world so much love, without counting the cost. She is an unsung hero of our times, and the most courageous example of faith I have ever known. We are proud of you Sr. Emmo and we miss you!
Renuka De Zoysa