Sister Cyril: A life devoted to uplifting the marginalised
Tributes abound at funeral service held in St Thomas' Church, Kolkata
By
Nitin Waghela |
Published 27.06.23, 10:03 PM
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If empowerment had a synonym in every sense of the word, it would be Sister Cyril. The tears of the women whose lives were changed by her and the overwhelming presence of her spirit could be felt with every passing second at Sister Cyril's funeral service held on June 27 at St.Thomas' Church, Kolkata
All photos by Amit Datta
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Archbishop Thomas D'Souza said, "Sister Cyril fought the good fight. She lived to empower the poor and the girl child through education. With love, acceptance and service, Sister Cyril made every poor girl child the centre of education with full conviction that education is the birth right of all."
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Rinky Sarkar, part of Sister Cyril's Rainbow Project, said, 'I was in a government home called the All-Bengal Home on Elliot Road when Sister Cyril paid a visit. I expressed my intention of joining an English-medium school and she agreed at once. Since then, my bond has only grown stronger with her. She has been like a parent to me ever since I was six after bringing me to the Rainbow Home at Loreto School, Sealdah. I have just finished my graduation in Pune and now I'm preparing for the IELTS so that I can pursue my master's abroad," she said.
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Representing the Irish community and Sister Cyril's family, Michael Hopkins, said, "We are truly going to miss her. We feel honoured that such an inspiring person was a part of our lives. It was a great privilege to have carried her home today. May she rest in peace."
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Sister Monica Suchiang, spokesperson for the Loreto Congregation, said, "Sister Cyril was a daring woman throughout her life; she remained bold and was not afraid of taking risks for the right causes."
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"I have certainly felt Sister Cyril's presence in Kolkata. Her tireless efforts to break the barriers and provide opportunities to the marginalised have inspired countless educators, social workers and change-makers. Through her life and works, she was an example to one and all. She was an instrument of powerful change," said Melinda Pavek, US consul-general, Kolkata
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"On June 24, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had shared a message in which she mentioned how deeply saddened she was by the demise of Sister Cyril of the Loreto Sisters, an eminent educator and friend of the poor. She also highlighted her contribution to the state welfare schemes for the empowerment of the underprivileged children and conveyed her condolences to Sister Sabrina and all the 132 Loreto Sisters," said senior Trinamul Congress leader Derek O' Brien.
