From my diary : Two birds flew away.

   Rev. Sr. Mesmine - 

  a Versatile Genius -  

Multifaceted Diamond 

காற்றுகென்ன வேலி 

கடலுக்கென்ன மூடி 

Yes, when emotions and memories are strong,  

When love and respect are deep, 

They cannot be contained in a few words. 

I boast of the very long association with the beautiful College that I love, and I am grateful that the Sisters of the Cross made my life meaningful and  Rev. Sr. Mesmine is among the few Sisters who had tremendous influence on my life. Right from Sister's first year in the campus till the last, I had close association with her. The list of lessons I learnt from Sr. Mesmine is long.  

*Integrity*, thy name is Sr. Mesmine!  In her various roles as Professor of French, Warden, Secretary, Librarian and Controller of Examination, integrity is what I have seen in her.  I have never seen her compromising on *Quality*.   She dared to be *unique* and her *artistic* touch made everything aesthetically pleasing.

Most of us, her colleagues, learnt Time management from her. The value Sister attached to *Punctuality* was amazing. I didn't learn French from her,  but she taught me Yoga, Meditation and Art of Living.  Her positive vibes tapped the positive energy within us. 

To the Department of English, Sister was a crown of glory adorning every get-together,  leading every picnic and energizing the retirement functions. Till date, we draw sustenance from our memories of those precious moments of togetherness and joy.

Crisp in her communication - in writing or in speeches - Sister proved that brevity is the soul of wit.  In fact, in style,  I imitated her, and whenever I showed her my write-ups, her words of appreciation revealed her generosity and magnanimity and  became my ego-boosters.

Personally,  Sister's concern and love could be felt in all our family events, and during sunshine or struggles, Sister's support came with her prayers. I cherish the messages received in WhatsApp and our last meeting in the Noviciate in 2021, when Sister picked up gooseberries for me and gifted a box of Readers Digest to my son, to be used in his Vantage Academy.  We as a family, our children and  grandchildren love her and,  her good gestures and genuine affection, kindness and concern should be a perennial source of inspiration for them.

Dear Sister Mesmine has now become immortal. I hear people around praising Sister's hospitality and the sparkle in her smile.  Today, Sister fills the College campus and lingers in many a heart. 

Together, we thank our loving Lord for the precious gift of Rev. Sr. Mesmine. 

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Mrs. PHILO BRITTO - a true friend 

 In April 2021, our dear colleague and friend Mrs. Philo Britto disappeared from this world of turbulence, pain and fear into a silent world of peace, for her eternal rest - to be safe in the arms of Jesus. Needless to say she has taken with her a part of all those who sincerely loved her. Mrs. Philo's passing away has left a memory no one can steal. As one who spent nearly four decades together in the divine ambience of Holy Cross campus, I wish to share some memories.

Mrs. Philo Britto belonged to a well known traditional Catholic family in Ramanputhur. From all that she has shared with us we know that she was attached to all her family members, lived the life of a devoted wife and above all, a very loving and caring mother of her two lovely daughters Jean and Anu. Even today we fondly think of Jean and Anu as our own daughters. Mrs. Philo has spoken to us so much about them. 

Her children in the College – her students - remember her as an affectionate teacher with a brightening smile – one who radiated love into their hearts. Today, we thank God for all her contributions to the student community. To think of her as a companion - a colleague – is to think of a very good, innocent human being - remarkably dignified, with an air of grace and abundance of patience, and with a cheerful face glowing with a pleasant smile. Never harsh, Mrs. Philo would offend no one. Childlike, she lived harmoniously with everyone. The painful reality is that we have lost a dear friend who was good to us.

In the history of Holy Cross College, Nagercoil, Mrs. Philo Britto has a special place as one of the first born, who joined PUC in the year of its inception i.e 1965. She put in 37 years of service in the Department of English and led the Department as HOD, for about 26 years. I recall our picnics – the fun she used to have in water bodies, our Christmas visits spending time with the needy, the fun time in the college auditorium, her peacock dance and simple performances during Holy Cross Feast celebrations, and her child-like innocence and humility – the way she used to interact with us consulting us for every small activity – all these and many more make us remember Mrs. Philo with lots and lots of love. 

She never lost touch with the Department - O my God, how we remember the joy on her face, as she walked in for all Christmas celebrations and many other functions. Mrs. Philominammal Endowment Lecture will keep her name always remembered in the Department of English.

All the retirees of the department are now united in spirit, through a WhatsApp group. We had many get-togethers until the unexpected tiny virus Covid locked us all down. Ever after this, Mrs. Philo used to find comfort and happiness chatting with us, and it is hard to forget our beloved Mrs. Philo. 

As lovers of literature, one good lesson we have learnt from many a poem, is that we should not grieve, mourn or lament over the dead. In fact, she is not dead, just gone away with a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, into an unknown land where we will join her sooner or later. The beautiful moments you shared with us will always be remembered.

Rest in peace, up in heaven, dear Mrs. Philo!