Farewell to Sr. Lucy D’Souza, MSI: A Faithful Servant of the Church

Secretary, Family Life Commission

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

A Solemn Farewell in Port Moresby

On Thursday, 5 March 2026, the funeral Mass for Sr. Lucy D’Souza, MSI, was solemnly celebrated at St Joseph’s Parish, Boroko. The liturgy brought together bishops, clergy, religious sisters, Church staff, and members of the faithful who gathered in prayer and gratitude to honour the life of a devoted missionary and servant of the Church.

The Mass was presided over by five bishops of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands:

• Otto Separy, President of CBCPNGSI and Bishop of Bereina

• John Bosco Auram, Bishop of Kimbe

• Paul Sundu, Bishop of Kundiawa

• Donald Francis Lippert, Bishop of Mendi

• Pedro Baquero, Bishop of Kerema

Also present were the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (MSI), staff of the Bishops’ Conference, and many friends and colleagues whose lives were touched by Sr. Lucy’s ministry. A particularly moving moment was the presence of her younger brother, Mr. Dominic Pascoal D’Souza, who travelled from India to be present for his sister’s final farewell.

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Presiders of Sr Lucy's Funeral Mass during the Final Commendation

A Life Dedicated to Family Life Ministry

Sr. Lucy served faithfully as the Secretary of the Family Life Commission at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. In this role, she worked tirelessly to support pastoral initiatives that strengthened families and promoted the dignity of family life across the Church.

Those who worked closely with her remember her as a woman of quiet dedication, humility, and deep faith. Through her work, she contributed significantly to the mission of the Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

| “Look after Family Life.”

— The final words of Sr. Lucy D’Souza

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A Message that Reflects Her Mission

During the homily, Bishop John Bosco Auram reflected on Sr. Lucy’s final words: “Look after Family Life.” These simple yet powerful words captured the heart of her vocation and the mission she carried throughout her years of service.

The Scripture reading from Romans 14:8— “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord”—beautifully reflected Sr. Lucy’s life. Her ministry was a living witness of faithful service, rooted in love for Christ and dedication to His people.

| “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.”

(Romans 14:8)

Bishop Otto Separy, President of CBCPNGSI and Bishop of Bereina, during communion

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A Community United in Gratitude

The large gathering at the funeral Mass reflected the deep respect and affection Sr. Lucy had earned throughout her life. Bishops, religious sisters, clergy, Church staff, and members of the faithful came together to give thanks for her life and ministry.

Her gentle spirit, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Church left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Many remembered her as a dedicated missionary who carried out her responsibilities with dedication and grace.

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Final Rest in Alotau

Following the funeral Mass in Port Moresby, Sr. Lucy’s body was transported to Milne Bay Province, where she was laid to rest at the MSI KB Convent in the Diocese of Alotau on 6 March 2026.

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John Bosco Auram, Bishop of Kimbe during the homily for Sr Lucy D'Souza's Funeral Mass

A Legacy that Continues

Sr. Lucy D’Souza’s life stands as a testament to faithful service, missionary commitment, and deep love for the Church. Her work in promoting family life and pastoral ministry will continue to inspire many within the Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

Though she has returned to the Lord, her legacy of compassion, dedication, and faith will remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and work with her.

 May her soul rest in the peace of Christ, whom she served so faithfully.