April 3, 1939 – August 23, 2025
Sr. Tecla was born in Montefusco, province of Avellino, born to Carmine Merlino and Laura Cerza, on April 3, 1939.
In her brief autobiography, written on September 7, 1984, she notes: “At my christening I was given the name Palmira Arcangela. I grew up in a family with two sisters and a brother, Anna, Francesco, and Alessandra. I attended primary school and at the age of 16, on July 12, 1955, I entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. In 1957, I was invested and received the name of Sr. M. Tecla. I did my novitiate under the guidance of Sr. Leocadia and on September 29, 1959, I made my temporary profession. In 1962, I renewed my vows, and on September 29, 1964, I made my final profession, consecrating myself completely to God in service of others.
From 1959 to 1965 I was transferred to Fossà, committed to housework. In 1965, I was asked to serve at Casa Generalizia to do the housework and management of the laundry and to take care of the sick and elderly sisters.”
Her brief autobiography ends with these words:
“I am very happy to be in the service of God, and I thank the Lord who has called me.
With God’s grace, I hope to remain faithful to this call throughout my entire life.”
Her desire to faithfully respond to her vocation was evident when she urged the younger sisters to pray for perseverance in their own vocations.
Her life has been one jubilee after another: she celebrated her 25th jubilee in the chapel of Casa Generalizia in 1984; her 50th in 2009; and her 60th jubilee of religious profession in 2019.
This year, in 2025, we celebrated her 70th anniversary of entering the community and 60th anniversary of living in this community.
Sr. Tecla rooted her life in a sincere and strong faith. She always cherished her close relationships with the people she shared her life with and with all the people she met.
Sr. Tecla didn’t travel long distances, she didn’t attend many conferences or meetings, but she met and above all touched the hearts of many people. Her tenacity, her faithfulness to prayer, fraternal life, and service are a true witness to the Gospel.
Sr. Tecla didn’t end her service because she retired; she was invited by the Bridegroom’s mysterious voice. He led her into the desert and up to Calvary with Mary, the Sorrowful Mother.
Lovingly cared for by her sisters and assisted by her sibling Sr. Alessandra, she fell asleep in the early hours of August 23, 2025, in the peace of God.
On August 25, 2025, we celebrated Sr. M. Tecla’s funeral in the chapel of Casa Generalizia, which she loved so dearly. We remember how carefully she used to arrange it for liturgical celebrations. Her physical body is buried in the Verano Cemetery, but her soul rests in peace, among the angels, saints and all the loved ones who have gone before her.
Submitted by Sr. Miryam Elisa Stella