Guwahati, March 24, 2026: The mortal remains of Mother Mary Rose Thapa, the first MSMHC Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), were accorded solemn ecclesial honours following a deeply prayerful Requiem Mass attended by bishops, clergy, religious, and faithful from across Northeast India and beyond. She was later laid to rest in MSMHC Cemetery Mawroh, Shillong.
The Requiem Mass was presided over by the NEIRBC Vice President Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong, while the final commendation and burial rites were led by the NEIRBC President Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati. The liturgy, marked by hymns of hope and resurrection, drew wide participation from Church leaders, members of various congregations, youth groups, and lay faithful, reflecting the far-reaching impact of Mother Rose’s life and mission.
In his homily, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh reflected on her pioneering role and enduring legacy, stating, “Mother Mary Rose Thapa was a pioneering leader chosen for a purpose… God calls some people not just to follow the path but to create one.” Drawing from Scripture, he added, “She has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,”underscoring her life of total dedication to God and service to the Church.
Mother Mary Rose Thapa, born Lakshmi Devi in 1935 in Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan), embraced the Catholic faith in 1953 and later joined the religious life under the inspiration of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. She went on to serve as the first Superior General from 1970 to 1988, guiding the congregation through its formative years of growth and expansion.
In her condolence message, Superior General Sr. Christine Mynsong described her leadership as a defining moment in the congregation’s history: “Her appointment marked a transition in governance… when the charism took firmer root in native soil and began to flourish with renewed vitality.” She noted that under Mother Rose’s leadership, the congregation experienced “extraordinary growth both in numbers and missions,” extending beyond Northeast India to other parts of the country and overseas.
From Rome, the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Fabio Attard, conveyed solidarity, stating, “As the pioneering Mother General… she nurtured the congregation in its formative years with visionary zeal and firm faith, laying strong spiritual and institutional foundations that continue to bear abundant fruit.”
Provincial superiors from various regions highlighted her personal and spiritual qualities. Sr. Maya Pohshna of Guwahati Province reflected on her deep spiritual rootedness and maternal leadership, recalling her as a guiding presence whose life radiated faith and strength within the congregation.
Sr. Maria Ali Thapa of Shillong Province remarked, “She led through love, gentleness, and holiness… her presence brought peace and comfort to all.” She added that Mother Rose “had a remarkable ability to attract souls to Christ with humble gestures, kind words, and gentle smiles.”
Sr. Jessy Jacob of Bangalore Province emphasised her missionary vision, noting, “With prophetic courage, she sent the first missionaries to South India,” recalling foundations established in Andhra Pradesh in 1971 and later in Kerala in 1988 as enduring signs of her far-sighted leadership.
Sr. Jacinta Jyrwa of Kolkata Province reflected, “You were not only a leader but a true mother… your compassion touched countless lives, and your faith inspired us to walk closer with God.”
Sr. Arokkiya Mary, Provincial of Tezpur, described her as “a living gospel… whose love continues to speak through the values she instilled.”
Sr. Margaret Sekhose of Tinsukia Province added, “She was not merely a leader but a mother in the truest sense… her life was a living gospel marked by humility, love, and unwavering faith.”
From the international mission, Sr. Martha Do Rosario, Delegate Superior of Italy, expressed, “Your life was a gentle witness to humility, kindness, and generous love for all… your memory will continue to be a lasting blessing.”
The family of Mother Rose also bore witness to her personal impact. Her nephew, Mr. Ram Kumar Gurung, shared, “Though she was the only Catholic in our family, she became a spiritual mother to many… because of her, our family too embraced Jesus.” He remembered her as “a woman of deep prayer, simplicity, humility, and unwavering faith.”
Tributes from youth representatives further underlined her influence on younger generations. A representative of the Young Apostles of Christ stated, “She was not only a leader but a true mother—nurturing, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her calling.”
Messages of condolence were received from bishops and Church leaders across India and abroad, highlighting her significance within the wider Church. The liturgy concluded with the final commendation, as the faithful prayed, “May Christ who calls you take you to himself… and may the angels lead you into paradise.”
Mother Mary Rose spent her final years at the Ferrando Provincial House in Guwahati, where she continued a life of prayer and silent witness despite declining health. Those who visited her recalled her as a woman deeply united with God, whose “lips ceaselessly murmured prayers” and whose presence radiated peace.
As the faithful bid farewell, the Church in Northeast India honoured a pioneering missionary, educator, and spiritual mother whose legacy continues to shape the life and mission of the MSMHC congregation and the wider Church.
Her life, marked by faith, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in divine providence, remains a lasting testimony to the Gospel lived in humility and love.