Dear Friends,

February 14th is a day that many people look forward to – because it is Valentine’s Day and this day is specially celebrated to show your loved ones how much you love and care for them.  Does Valentine day only have significance for the people who are married, who are in love or is it also for everyone – the “Only” and the “Lonely” who are un-married, have lost their partner or are alone in this world? Yes Valentine’s  Day is a day for “everyone” – and what a wonderful place this world would be,  if only every human being could do something to bring a smile and sunshine into the lives of those people who don’t have  any Valentines to wish them!!

The word ‘single’  sounds like a disease and should be avoided at all costs. Being single does not definitely mean that you are not a successful person. It definitely does not need a spouse and kids to find your worth as a woman, for success is measured only in following God and making the most of what he wants you to be in life. With God shaping your perspective, there's no such thing as failure.

Sherri Langton, the associate editor of Bible Advocate magazine, says “As a single woman, I felt like a failure, until God helped me redefine ''success.''

WOMEN VISION brings to  you Teresa Agnes Sequeira of Kinnigoli. A person of patience, perseverance and understanding she can be truly called another Mother Teresa of the Kinnigoly Parish for the amount of service she renders to her Parish and her people. Apart from her teaching profession she is always in the service of others - and her involvement with the Parish council since the last 22 years is a witness of her dedication and commitment. She is currently the Secretary of the Kinnigoly Church Parish Council.

Teresa (lovingly called Therese)  was born to Dominic and Maria Sequeira at Talipady, Shenappaikodi (I.km from Pakshikere Church), and is now currently a parishioner of the famous St. Jude Church, Pakshikere.

Having graduated in B.A, she did her B.Ed and she has the distinction of being the first headmistress of the St. Jude Hr. Pry. School, Paksikere where she taught for 25 years.

Therese keeps herself actively involved in humanitarian activities and has held various positions in different organisations. She has been the: President of the Legion Curia of Kinnigoli Varado,  Society of Vincent De Paul, the  Social Service League, Marian Sodality, Legion of Mary, Diocesan Council of Catholic women,  etc..

She was also entrusted the responsible position of being the  Gurkar of her ward since the last 5 Years. She is also an active member of the Kemral Panchayat since the last 5 years.

Therese inspite of her age and ailments is committed to her responsibilities. Even though she has to travel by bus all the way from Kinnigoli, she is prompt and punctual in being on time for any meeting to be held in Mangalore etc.  Her handwriting can be compared to pearls - so neat and artistic which really speaks of her personality.

Living in a remote town and being unmarried, she never feels alone because she is so engrossed in giving of herself to others - Says Therese " As long as I live, I would like to keep working for the people"  and Therese works silently  without any expectation of material reward from anyone for she knows - her reward will be from the Master in Heaven who sees and knows all that we do.

Women Vision wishes Therese,  good health to carry on her mission of spreading God's love in the land.

Cheerio till our next bulletin

Elaine Fernandes