Sr Leela Sequeira of Kateel elected Superior General of Helpers of Mary Congregation

By Valerian Aranha, Dubai

Mangalore, Jun 18: During the 5th General Chapter held at the Generalate at Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, Mumbai on June 5th, 2007, Sr Leela Sequeira has been elected Superior General of The Society of Helpers of Mary for a term of 6 years. It is the second time she has been elected for this position. His Grace Archbishop Oswald Gracias presided over the election process and elected Sr. Jagrani, Sr. Indumati, Sr. Priya and Sr. Rohini D’costa as Councilors.

The delegates focused on ways to re-ignite their charism, by re-inventing it through creative and newer ways of intervention in this post modern era.  In their efforts to offer fullness of life to the marginalized, they chose to adopt an integrated approach in their mission with a special call for a personal renewal.  The Chapter reminded all the members of the personal responsibility to proclaim Jesus as the answer to the death dealing issues of people.  To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their services, they also chose to continue the process of decentralization.

Sr Leela had previously been elected as the Superior General in 1983 for 6 years.

Sr Leela  joined the Society of Helpers of Mary in 1966 and she made her final vows in the year 1974. She has served in various capacities in the Society of Helpers of Mary. For 12 years she was in-charge of the Juniors of their Congregation. For many years she was the Council Member and in the recent past, she was Superior at Mukta Jeevan Society at Vehloli (Maharastra) which is a Rehabilitation centre for patients of Hansen’s disease and also HIV/AIDS Hospice for women & children

Sr Leela Sequeira hails from Maradka/ Kateel which was a part of Kinnigoli Parish prior to establishing Kateel Parish bifurcated from Kinnigoli Parish. She is the daughter of Late Faustine Sequeira and Late Mary Cardoza.  She is the eldest of the 8 siblings, of which 5 girls and 3 boys. Her younger brother Fr Henry Sequeira is a Norbertine Priest , presently doing his counseling studies in USA.

Sr Leela is known for her simplicity, compassion, prayerfulness, authoritative leadership and love for the poor. Born on 3rd Feb, 1944, after completing her basic studies at Little Flower School, Kinnigoly, she came to Bombay in search of a job at the tender age of fourteen. But it was a divine call which turned her attention towards the Society of Helpers of Mary and she joined the religious life in the year 1966.

The Society of the Helpers of Mary is a Catholic Religious Congregation of the order of Pontifical Right. The Society has 57 communities that are spread over India, Ethiopia, & Italy, and their home base is at Andheri (West), Mumbai.