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The secret behind the photos of dying nun with serene smile despite a devastating cancer

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Washington D.C: Sister Cecilia Maria was a nun and a nurse who served through the Saints Teresa and Joseph Monastery in Argentina, the Catholic News Agency reports. The much-beloved sister died on June 22 at the age of 43 after losing a battle with lung cancer.

Before she died, Cecilia Maria wrote a note from her hospital bed and posted it along with smiling photos of herself on social media. Her note and the photos quickly took off online, gaining attention and prayers from thousands of people all across the world, according to CNA.

Cecilia Maria’s note, which is pictured in one of the posts, read: “I was thinking about how I would like my funeral to be. First, some intense prayer and then a great celebration for everyone. Don’t forget to pray but don’t forget to celebrate either!”

After graduating as a nurse at 26 years of age, Sister Cecilia Maria made her first vows as a discalced Carmelite. In 2003, she made her final profession. Six months ago, she was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and the disease metastasized into her lungs.

In her time living at the monastery, she played the violin and was known for her sweetness and constant smile. In the final weeks of her illness, her condition worsened and she had to be hospitalized. From her bed she never stopped praying and offering up her sufferings with the certainty that her encounter with God was near.

During the last few months of her life, she was not able to talk, but she continued to communicate through gestures and notes, Aleteia reports. Everyone around Sister Cecilia Maria said she exhibited an attitude of serenity and joy until her death.

Her joy-filled notes and the photos of her smiling and peaceful face, despite her physical suffering, have touched thousands of people through social media. Her example pushes back against the growing threat of euthanasia and assisted suicide, which tries to convince people that their lives are not worth living if they are suffering or near death.

Sister Cecilia Maria used her last days to pray and encourage others from her hospital bed, according to the accounts of family and friends. Her young nieces and nephews also found joy in encouraging her and distracting her from her physical pain, often sending messages and balloons to her hospital room, Aleteia reports.

In May, she wrote, “I am very content, astonished by the work of God through suffering, and by so many people who pray for me.”

 

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Weather update on 31st August

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Panaji : The Indian Meteorological Department, Goa informed on Tuesday 31st  August  that the South–west monsoon was Normal over the state of Goa. Light to moderate rainfall occurred at most places over the state of Goa. Chief amount of rainfall was received in Ela (Old Goa); Panaji, Sanquelim, Sanguem; Quepem, Mapusa, Pernem and Ponda. For north and south Goa, IMD has informed that Light to Moderate Rainfall/Thundershowers with short intense spells very likely at most places for the district on 31st August, 01st, 02nd, 03rd & 04th September 2021. However no weather warning has been issued till 3rd September. (GoaNewsHub)

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Revival of Heritage Structures by Goa ForGiving

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Goa ForGiving has always been in the forefront of preserving Goan heritage; They have therefore initiated to power the heritage structures of Goa, which have been neglected due to whatever reason. There is so much history attached to old buildings, Goan homes etc. and letting them into ruins will be a great loss for the state.

There are so many beautiful and valuable heritage structures in and around Goa that need rehabilitation and our utmost attention. Goa Institute of Management building situated right opposite the scenic Mandovi river at Ribandar is just one of them. The building’s significance is in its history. It was initially Goa Medical College & hospital which was then taken over by the Goa Institute of Management. The building is currently in an abandoned state.

As the Founder Chairman, Mr. Armando Gonsalves shared a picture of the old GIM building in its neglected state, it caught the eyes of several noted alumni coming from the then GMC and GIM complex. There was an overwhelming response along with the nostalgic memories the students have had of a small joint “Casa De Cha”, where they would frequently visit for breakfast and meals.

The very spirit of the alumni and the public in general inspired Goa ForGiving to clean the façade of the building. With the help and guidance of Civil Engineer Mr. Crombel Pinto, architectural photographer AshayPhadke, social activist Adarsh Toraskar (who have selflessly given their time to this project by offering their services pro bono) they managed to bring some life back to the building.

To celebrate our heritage and bring heritage enthusiasts together, the Goa ForGiving Trust is organising a ‘Heritage Meet’ on Sunday, the 11th of July 2021. Photographers, artists, heritage lovers, Ex GIM staff and students are welcome to joinand be a part of this project by taking photographs, painting the building etc. Blive, the electric cycling company will also join in with their biking enthusiasts. And for old memories sake ‘Casa De Cha’ will have their specials on offer for breakfast, where everyone can sit by the riverfront and enjoy some goan breakfast delicacies on a Sunday morning.

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Feast of Three Kings At Cansaulim

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Feast of Three Kings At Cansaulim

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