Mrs. Josephine DSouza celebrates 99th Birthday with family members and relatives

By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 28 May 2016: Mrs. Josephine D’Souza of  Sacred Heart II Ward, St. Lawrence Parish Moodubelle celebrated her 99th Birthday on Saturday, 28 May 2016 at 11.30 am along with her family members, relatives and well-wishers with thanksgiving mass at her residence offered by Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest of Moodubelle and a brief felicitation programme.

 

Following the end of the mass, Mrs. Josephine D’Souza cut the cake along with her sons, daughters, grand children as well as great grand children.

 

Raising the toast, Fr. Lawrence Cutinha said that rarely individuals get an opportunity to celebrate 99th or 100th birthday. In this respect, Mrs. Josephine is fortunate to celebrate her 99th birthday along with her family members and relatives. Long life is a gift of God and Mrs. Josephine has lived this long life with meaning and purpose with prayer and sacrifices, especially after the death of her husband 35 years ago. She was instrumental in bringing up and building a strong family.

 

The youngest sister of Mrs. Josephine, Mrs. Joan Sequeira from Pune, speaking on this occasion said that the age difference between the eldest sister, Josephine and herself was such that whenever she used to come to Moodubelle she was referred by many as one of the daughters of Mrs. Josephine. Mrs. Joan wished her eldest sister good health and expressed hope that she would attend her 100th birthday.

 

 

Mrs. Josephine D’Souza was born on 29 May 1918. Her parents were late Lazurus and Concepta D’Souza from Shankerpura-Pangala. In 1935 she was married to Joseph D’Souza (Duje Master)who was teaching in the Church Aided Higher Primary School, Moodubelle. They had the gift of eight children, six sons and two daughters-Late Sr. Marie Veera (Bethany Sisters), Mrs. Theresa Fernandes, Mrs. Benedicta Menezes, Matias D’Souza, Juliana D’Souza, Gilbert D’Souza, Mrs. Veronica D’Souza and Mrs. Annie Rodrigues.

 

Following the death of her husband Joseph D’Souza on 21 March 1981, Mrs. Josephine had to bring up her children single handed and settle them in life.

 

Mrs. Josephine  has been blessed with 20 grand children and 26 great grand children.

 

Presently, Mrs. Josephine D’Souza is being taken care of by her son Mathais D’Souza and daughter-in-law Mrs. Helen D’Souza.

 

In spite of her advancing age, Mrs. Josephine D’Souza is quite alert and has good vision and hearing power. She is quite aware of the happenings around and keeps up with current affairs. It is said that cricket has been one of her favourite sports and has gained a lot of knowledge about the game.