Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 14: Sr  Speciosa Alvares  hails from Goa and was born on  February 24, 1919. Her parents are late Santhan  Alvares and late Carmalin D’Lima. Of the eight children in Alvares family she was sixth one. She was brought up in an environment of prayer, faith, and love that enabled her to be aware of the movement of the spirit within her, which inclined her toward religious life. She joined the ursuline Franciscan Congregation in the year on November 20, 1938 and made her first profession on May 20 1940 to commit herself totally to the Lord. She made her final profession on May 20, 1943.

Sr Speciosa is a person so beautiful and rare. A person who is people oriented, mentally stable, generous and having a spirit of sharing whatever she receives from others. She used her time, talents, and energy by making best out of waste. She loves children. She is pioneerof few communities. Even in her advanced age, her memory is sharp. She often shares her experiences of the past and inspires the youngsters by recounting the various events of her life. She always remains content in any situation of life and grateful to God.
 
We the Ursuline Franciscan sisters had a thanksgiving Eucharist offered by Fr Maxim Misquith on the occasion of our dear Sr Speciosa’s 100th birthday. Though her birthday was on February 24, we celebrated the same on March 12. Sr Susheela Sequeira, our beloved superior general and her council, provincial superior Sr Rita Vas and her council, former Superior General Sr Doreen D’Souza and her Council were the special invitees.

Sr Susheela Sequeira in her address appreciated Sr Speciosa  for the service rendered  by her to our congregation and to the society. She also appreciated Sr Speciosa and described her as hard working, respectful, prayerful, witty and Jovial.

We are privileged to celebrate the birth centenary of her life and wish her happiness, good health and a serene atmosphere as she marches forward the evening of her life.