Sr. Nancy Pereira F.M.A

contractor. She would design, draw, paint, tailor, embroider, make handicraft and cook and would teach poor people and women how to do all these works.

With the typical dynamism and enthusiasm of a healthy, middle aged person Sr. Nancy launched FIDES at Ulsoor slum when she was in her seventies. With dogged determination she crossed one hurdle after another and saved many women from prostitution, suicide and misery; she rescued men from the clutches of alcohol and drugs; she brightened the future of thousands of children sponsoring their education.

It was the foreigners who spotted the greatness of her work and lavished approval, recognition, awards and financial help on her. She received more than 10 International awards for the quality of her social work. RAI (Italian television network produced a TV film on her work, the telecast of which in Italy created waves of admiration for Sr. Nancy and generated much compassion for the poor.

Sr. Nancy was not a philanthropist. She was 100 percent an FMA, a loyal, loving and devoted daughter of the congregation, a sister filled with love and compassion of the Good Shepherd; a true daughter of the church who with prayer, faith and good works brought back to the fold many an erring prodigal child; she was a beacon light and a model of prayerfulness to all the sisters. Pope John Paul II receiving her in private audience described her as "The intrepid and indefatigable entrepreneur of the poor

"The poor taught me everything - patience, tolerance and the ability to adapt to the adversities they encounter in life; they are serene people

She visited Europe a number of times in order to seek help for her work. Many contributed generously for sponsorship, putting up the school and other programme.

During her trips to Europe, she often found people asking her what they should do in order to be happy and Sr. Nancy would reply always "Donate love! It is not important to whom, how and when. Sometimes it is sufficient to smile at a person who has not given or received love. They are the ones who need to receive the most love because they are unable to listen to their own hearts. Another question that people often asked her was "Sister, what must I do? Sr. Nancy would always respond by saying : "Open up your heart and learn to live again