Sometimes she did, and sometimes she didnt. She graduated in May of 1996, magna cum laude, among the top ten of 90 nursing graduates and won the award for excellence in biological sciences. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of, death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my, enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup, Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all, the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the. Mission Hills, California 91345. Saint Patrick's Cathedral. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Investigative reporter, The Epoch Times. Before long, a person longs to go home and live in a house, a structure that is much more permanent and sturdy than a tent. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. It tests our faith it did for the apostles. However, she didnt ask anyone else to do something she herself wouldnt do. The funeral Mass was held on June 7, celebrated by her brother, Fr. If she was different in any way, it was that she was shy and sensitive, and also very serious about her studies and her goals in life. May she be warmly welcomed by all of those whom she served and loved throughout her life. In her early teens, she needed to have minor surgery done on the socket where her right eye had been, and after the surgery was done, she was in a lot of pain, far more pain than she anticipated. Denomination: Christian Church Summary: Funeral Message for a Christian Woman who passed away after a lengthy battle with Cancer. I thought to myself, Heres our cancer patient, making small sacrifices, trying to put into practice Thereses little way. In this Christmas Season we celebrate Marys Mass of Christian Burial. 30 April 2023 . It was based on the book, African Manhunt, by Monroe Scott, which recounted Christs victories in the lives of Africans. In addition to his responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archbishop Lori serves as Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus and is the former chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. Journey from birth to death (2 Cor 5) Death is not the end - Communion of Saints. Her left eye was treated successfully with radiation, and gave her good vision throughout her life. Moellenberndt and the Rite of Committal at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Cemetery. I would add as well that our family is having a novena of masses offered for all of you who prayed for Mary, that God may bless you for your goodness and faith. Whenever a new priest or seminarian arrived at St. Marys, after I showed them the church, I would walk across Cabot Street so that they could meet Sophie. I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the lastday. Then one of the greatest moments of revelation of who Jesus was I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me will live even if he dies. By the time the disease was discovered, her right eye was already blind and had to be removed. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. It was that hope that led Mary to always think of others before herself. In my Fathers house, there are many dwelling places Many of us work very hard in life to build a house and make a home for ourselves and for our families. She toiled and worked especially for her children so that they could stand on their feet. An earthly journey has ended. In other words, when we encounter someone like Mary, someone who is afflicted, but is not crushed: who is perplexed, but does not despair; who is struck down, but not destroyed; who suffers, but does not lose faith, and indeed beyond that, who in her suffering lives in a spirit of faith and devotion, who shows love and consideration for others even as she struggles and suffers; when we see this in someone like Mary, we encounter, in a way such as we can neither escape nor deny, the treasure within the treasure of Gods grace in our souls, the treasure of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the treasure of the supernatural life. She received Christ through these sacraments and gave Jesus to all of us through her love. Read More. I know that the reality of death with all it's pain and sense of loss confronts you at this moment. The Gospel I just proclaimed was Marys favorite. Herman Heide. Gone is the builders temple, crumbled into dust; low lies each stately pillar, food for consuming rust. "We know that this life is not the final story. She felt it was much too small, and some of the flowers looked droopy. As Ecclesiastes said, There is an appointed time for everything.A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.. She was sensitive to the feelings of other people, caring about them, and trying never to offend. Homily at the funeral of a mother Believing in Jesus' resurrection is the core of Christian belief. The fabric can become weak and torn and the poles can collapse. Funeral homilies listed by most number sold: 1. We know that this life is not the final story. All of us, who have walked with Sophie, who have witnessed her Catholic example, and who have been blessed by her friendship, it only makes sense that we ought to do the same for others. You are a Christian man and dont know whats on the other side? the man said to the doctor. Amen. The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. The widow of one of my best friends calls regularly to tell me how much she misses him, and inevitably she will break down in tears. We might also a feel a bit angryangry at God for having taken her from us. And as she did the project, she found herself to be very much attracted to Therese. His priestly love played a pivotal role in her life and in the life of you, her family. Believing in Jesus resurrection is the core of Christian belief. C. Sensing this fragility, Filomena taught her family and by extension those of us who are part of her adopted family not only to take care of ourselves and not only to make good and prudent decisions, but even more so, to anchor our lives in the solid foundations of faith so that we could face life courageously and look beyond appearances with the eyes of faith, as St. Paul teaches. You can talk to her as you always did and she will be listening. The seed has to die in order to germinate a new plant. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. The Office of . Turning to the patient, the doctor said, Did you notice my dog? She loved Jesus. Mere faith in the resurrection on the last day wasnt good enough for Martha and, indeed, it wasnt good enough for Jesus. How God loves us and to prove it He sent His Son, Jesus, down to earth and God asked His Son to die for us and for our sins so that when we die, we won't go to Hell, but we will go to Heaven. She felt it was a great privilege that Mass could be celebrated in our home, and she was always grateful when a Mass was offered for her intentions. Those who believe in Christ, God will also raise them up. We pray that on the Day of Resurrection her body will be raised up. It was not my fault. For 102 years, Sophie--as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend-- has been following Christ and being perfected by Christ. There, around her table, people encountered Christ. He restores my soul; He guides. I consider it an extraordinary manifestation of Gods providential love, that he gave to us the privilege of Sophies companionship along this path. Yes, you believe. All our facilities are open for your inspection at any time that is convenient for you. The nurse came in the room to discuss a DNR and in the course of the conversation she said to Mary, "You know you have two months to live, if that." The value of the Mass and Holy Communion in providing us with Gods grace ought never to be underestimated or ignored. No wonder Martha and Mary were cross, "ticked off" with Jesus. I don't pretend for a moment to stand here and tell you I have all the answers as to the why's and wherefore's of what in our judgment is an untimely death. Then we who are alive and, remain will be caught up together with them in the, clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall, always be with the Lord. Our human emotions sometimes need a release. If ever a parish had a pillar, it was Filomena. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. She wanted to see her spiritual director and make a general confession, and I told her I would contact him for her. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you, may be also. Let us know and love her also in a new way, not as a mere memory but as one whom the Lord has taken to himself. Death, Heaven, Funeral, Mansion, Funerals Christian, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, Help your church understand God's plan in pain, Call your people to experience a higher freedom, Proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. Evangelical/Non-Denominational, Good evening, we've come together this evening to, praise God, to be a witness of our Christian faith, and. The Mass is the Greatest Prayer for the Dead. As St. Paul wrote to the Romans, The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us., On behalf of the Catholic Community of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, we offer to you our sympathy and prayers. What a beautiful reflection on a life of quiet witness and discipleship. I remember her saying, after her last major surgery, "I hope I feel better soon. It is to their everlasting credit, and a reason for profound gratitude on the part of my brothers, my sister, and myself, that my parents took the words of Msgr. She said, "Please pray for me. by the work of the Son of God be done quickly. As we thank God for her life and for her calling in Christian life. Peter was an online expert in the original "Ask the Experts" section of the Catholic Resource Network, which later merged into EWTN's web site. Pray for Mary that she pass quickly from Purgatory to the fullness of life with God in heaven. (LogOut/ He wrought it with grace and skill; pillars and arches all fashioned to work his will. While we are truly saddened over the passing from this life of Rose, our faith reassures us that the sadness that we are now experiencing willin timebe not just changed, but will be transformed into joy because Rose, like Jesus, has died, but she has died into Resurrection. Often we are left with the feeling that we did not let Rose know just how much she was loved. Your email address will not be published. Well get mom an nice bouquet of flowers, well get a cake, and well make sure that all of us get together for Mothers Day. A long life filled with amazing memories and blessings is what we all hope for our children and loved ones. Father Christopher Monturo. Life in these bodies, and life on this earth is temporal! She walked a very hard road, and as she walked she stumbled, she cried, and it broke our hearts, but she walked it. Ancestry.com How happy Mary must be. Let us place in her in the hands of Our Blessed mother. Or, if you prefer, consider the four subtitles in her favorite book by Jamart, in the chapter on suffering: (1) Suffering is a necessary means todispose us for union with Jesus; (2) Sufferingis Gods proof that he loves us; (3) Without [suffering] we cannot reach heaven; (4) suffering is necessary for the salvation of souls. In closing, I would like to quote from a poem that Mary liked to share with her friends, a poem Therese called, My Song for Today. In moments such as this, it's understandably difficult to know what to say or how to phrase your thoughts and feelings. First, a word of sympathy and love to Filomenas family as we commend her to the Lord of life and love. This is not to say we were or are the perfect family or perfect people. She wrote: The reason why so many people faithfully attend the sacrifice of the Mass is because they seek greater understanding of and communion with God both by listening to the readings and gospel and applying them to their own lives It is through prayer and through the desire to apply the Word of God to our daily lives that our "practical" Catholic values come into being. As Joe wrote, She opened the world of books to many hundreds of children. After retirement Mary continued to tutor students several days a week. Mary had a deep devotion to the Mass and the Eucharist. Wisconsin Historical Society Peter R. Pilsner, and thirty-one other priests. New Jersey, podcasting, mass for the dead | 588 views, 5 likes, 13 loves, 31 comments, 7 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from St. Ann Church: Mass of Christian Burial Celebrating the Life of Sr.. In her final dialogue with the Lord, we can hear an echo of the Lords own words, I am the Resurrection and Life. When someone died or was diagnosed with an illness, Sophie would cry. She enjoyed having people at her home to play cards. God wants all of us to love him and to follow him. It was so nice of you to videotape your Moms homily at her earthly spot. So we did. Dear friends, we too are all pilgrims making our way through this life. She is now with Jesus, His Blessed Mother and all the Saintsespecially St. Rita, to whom she was so devoted. You know that to love you on earth I have only today. It is understandable that at a time like this we may feel somewhat let down abandoned by our God have doubt about His goodness or care, about those He loves and that love Him. comes again on that great resurrection morning, _______ will have a head start on those who are living, in Christ, because "the dead in Christ will rise first. Perhaps that is why she enjoyed the Silver Sneakers exercise group so much. Around her table, our hearts burned within us as Christ spoke to us. Mary said to me, "the other nurse was telling me come on, lets go because I was just standing there. Suzanne's death is not God's fault, God is not to blame for it. In speaking about death, she said, "I think it must be a beautiful moment." PO Box 140187 By praying for Sophie, we return to her the love that she showed to all of us. I know that I speak for all of those who love Sophie when I say to her family, Thank you for your great devotion to her.. But we would not have resurrection without the death of Jesus Christ. Perhaps our anger is made worse by the feeling that it is not right or proper for a believing Roman Catholic to feel anger at God. There would not be Gospel without the resurrection; would not be Christianity, the church, the priesthood, the sacraments without the resurrection. Hers was a bedrock faith that shaped her whole way of life yet in the final and difficult hours, she would ask about the meaning of her suffering; she would ask about the pain and sorrow of departing from this world, She did so, not the way a faithless or angry person would ask but rather as one who, like Martha, was a friend of Jesus and a woman of deep faith. . that God give eternal rest to Maryanne, that he open wide the gates of Paradise. At about the same time she developed pain in what remained of her left leg. She became so distressed that she began to think she should not receive Communion. She lifted her head, looked at something. Thank you Fr. Her favorite book, next to Story Of A Soul was The Complete Spiritual Doctrine of St. Therese of Lisieux by Francois Jamart. In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.