In the words of our Holy Gospel, And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Fathers only Son, full of grace and truth.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a text widget. While this homily expresses a sincere message of encouragement and sympathy, its main theme revolves around the recognition and celebration of an abundant life well-lived. She is now enjoying the presence of family and friends who have preceded her in death. The Gospel I just proclaimed was Marys favorite. I didn't know Sophie, but there have been so many Sophie's in my life, I am grateful to them all. Thus we believe has happened for Mary. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10). And you know the way where I am going. Fr. Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can never be an Easter Sunday. In Marys pre-teen years, she was a person of faith, but not a person of extraordinary devotion. Mary was a full-time reading specialist here at Sacred Hearts School. As she awaits us, she is praying for us and for our own safe passage as we journey toward our heavenly home. If ever a parish had a pillar, it was Filomena. Amen. We can only imagine her joy in all the new people she is encountering in eternity. But we would not have resurrection without the death of Jesus Christ. When the earthly dwelling is turn to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven. Mary, may the friendship of Therese welcome you, may the arms of the Blessed Virgin embrace you, may the love of Jesus fill you, and may you enter the unspeakable joy of the eternal today. People gravitated to Mary because they knew she genuinely had an interest in them and their lives. Mary was all about doing for family and friends to bring them happiness. This is how Mary saw suffering as something of immense spiritual value, but at the same time, so very hard to bear and accept. As the Book of Ecclesiastes our first reading said, There is an appointed time for everythinga time to be born, and a time to die.. News, analysis & spirituality by email twice-weekly from CatholicCulture.org. We know that this life is not the final story. Directory of Parishes; Schools. Then, toward the beginning of June, a routine chest x-ray showed a small spot on one lung. For 102 years she walked along the road with us, and we are deeply sorrowed by her departure. At first, I tried to calm her down, but then it occurred to me, Shes been like this her whole life and shes in her 90s, so maybe she knows something that I dont. Sophie lived life fully. Joseph Pilsner, C.S.B., and concelebrated by her brother, Fr. There he writes, "Because suffering and the cross have become objects of love, it does not follow that they no longer cause pain, that crosses have ceased to be crosses. He accepted death and given us the rewards of eternal life. We struggle with death especially when it's out of the order of life. Martha was looking for a miracle here and now, and Jesus was looking for faith in himself as the Resurrection and the Life, for faith in himself as the source of unending life even in those who die. Investigative reporter, The Epoch Times. She was very concerned that she and my brothers and I did everything we could to make Mothers Day a special occasion. He was teaching us, loving us, and drawing us closer to himself. Chosen by God (Eph 1) The grub becomes a dragonfly. She toiled and worked especially for her children so that they could stand on their feet. Through Sophies friendship, example, and charity, Christ was speaking to us and forming us. Thus her journey of faith, difficult indeed, continued. Later that weekend she and I were alone while my mother went home to do some errands. A native of Louisville, Ky., Archbishop Lori holds a bachelor's degree from the Seminary of St. Pius X in Erlanger, Ky., a master's degree from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg and a doctorate in sacred theology from The Catholic University of America. All our facilities are open for your inspection at any time that is convenient for you. The love, commitment, care, attention, walking with Suzanne through every step of her journey in sickness over the last 3 years. Funeral homilies listed by most number sold: 1. Lying in her hospital bed, she began to feel, in the midst of her pain, a powerful if not overwhelming sense that God loved her. She too buried her child. A Catholic priest living the joy of priesthood in the midst of the flock. The tall, white candle, the Paschal Candle, stands beside the coffin at every Mass. Denomination: Christian Church Summary: Funeral Message for a Christian Woman who passed away after a lengthy battle with Cancer. Journey from birth to death (2 Cor 5) Death is not the end - Communion of Saints. In my Fathers house are many mansions (or dwelling places). Sins forgiven, covered and paid for, all of them. Mary didnt play cards much but it gave her an opportunity to prepare dinner. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. It is true, that in part, I would do this because I wanted Sophie to feel the closeness of others. To Amy and all the family and friends, what an example of love and support you have been and I'm sure will continue to be to John and the children. Jesus said to, him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one, When Jesus said this He knew in a few hours He, would be hanging on a cross for you and me, so He. No longer will she welcome us with an earthly banquet but will desire nothing more than to see us seated at the Paschal Banquet of Heaven. Martha and Mary felt abandoned too when Jesus didn't come to their house for 4 days after Lazarus' death. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Ash Wednesday-February 22nd. Often we would pray the family rosary, and ask her if she wanted to join us. Using medication to control the pain, Mary took her nursing boards in July and passed with a perfect score. Death remains that part of the human story that resists our attempts to control, our attempts to un I thought to myself, Heres our cancer patient, making small sacrifices, trying to put into practice Thereses little way. I was having coffee after dinner, and she was having tea. Call it what you will, a funeral sermon, a eulogy, a homilie - the main thing is to offer people hope through the truth of Scripture knowing that God's Spirit will honor God's Word as it goes forth. She said, very simply, "Well, I do like it, but I try to make small sacrifices." It was a praise to God, a song of Christs victory, a hymn of confidence. For many, this is the most significant loss of their entire life. Shop: Roman Catholic "RC" Brand Original White Logo Collection Mug. Yes, Mary enjoyed life and now we believe that joy is multiplied many times over in eternity. . The value of the Mass and Holy Communion in providing us with Gods grace ought never to be underestimated or ignored. I am happy to provide it for you. Tell me what lies on the other side. Very quietly, the doctor said, I dont know You dont know? You can talk to her as you always did and she will be listening. Death cannot win in the end because our Lord conquered the grave. All Rights Reserved. She might have taken a great care of so many people. but a place for them to live. Fold3.com. Father Christopher Monturo. that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came among us. 2007-2021 The Hanneman Archive St. Paul reminds us that the death is not the end of human being. That was an outstanding funeral sermon, and ( I guess) an exceptionally demanding one for you to preach. Martha and Mary felt abandoned too when Jesus didn't come to their house for 4 days after Lazarus' death. Dear friends in Christ, today, we bid farewell to our sister and to our friend, Sophie. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Then, the great teaching moment, Your brother will rise again, Jesus told them. You know that to love you on earth I have only today. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. We ask that the purgation that's given to them as they pass on this life to the next. So, I told Mary, no problem, Ill take care of it. It is not enough for our hearts to burn within us. I was in awe thinking what a privilege it was to be in that place. Then, a crisis ensued, and her doctors told her that the leg had to be amputated, and that it had to be done immediately. Ancestry.com She prayed like Mary and attended to the details of hospitality like Martha. So, we may say that she lived in this passing world with her heart set on the world to come and by word and example, she taught us to do the same. Growing up, she was a happy, normal girl. When that person passes on to her eternal reward, we may feel guilty about some of the things we said or did to her; or the time when we lost our temper with her. 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. Tradition-minded Catholic. These biographical details (which focus on Marys medical history) are given to provide a context for the homily that follows. Funeral Sermon For Elderly Women Sources Consedine PBVM Sister M Raphael One Pace Beyond Coppinger W William The life of Miss Nano . We have two full weeks of Lent ahead of us, followed by Holy Week before we arrive at the full-fledged joy of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. And he said unto me, It is done. But this old tenement that John Quincy lives in is not so good. It is the basis of our Christian faith. she had lived out a full, complete, life. Do you believe this? And believe she did. The comforting message of this eulogy celebrates her life and her . It was so nice of you to videotape your Moms homily at her earthly spot. Even the grave is temporary. And I would like to give you a glimpse of that journey this morning. This message can be adapted to fit most any situation. Tears of mourning, tears of longing for one so loved as she well up in our hearts but do not cloud the vision of faith so central to her life. Because her home was built on the cornerstone of faith, she recognized clearly how fragile and fleeting life in this world can be. If God would not leave his Son in the grave, he will not abandon those who trusted in his Son. He restores my soul; He guides. And let perpetual light shine upon her. We have seen the Lord! In her pain, she prayed to God, and was amazed at what happened next. What I have heard from some of you in the days leading up to this funeral is that Kay Moore was a people person, that she was someone who engaged in hospitality and practical kindness to others, that "Kay was active in many area clubs and supported numerous charities . The news that we encountered through the life of this good woman and this faithful disciple. Yes, you believe. She replied, "Well, God can do what he wants. B. I spoke to her about this, and told her that if it were really true that she was not accepting Gods will, she wouldnt be so worried about not accepting Gods will. She walked a very hard road, and as she walked she stumbled, she cried, and it broke our hearts, but she walked it. Duanealso gaveawonderfulhomily atthefuneralMassforDavidD.HannemaninApril2007. And as she did the project, she found herself to be very much attracted to Therese. They are lost and are searching for hope. We come in order to be a part of that work. It would be an understatement to say she was a long-standing member of this parish. She loved Jesus. There is something about this great portion of scripture which consoles us. "In, My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were, not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a, This is one of the greatest truths found in the Bible, it's, saying that God is someplace very real. She mourned with those who mourned and she rejoiced with those who rejoiced. Mere faith in the resurrection on the last day wasnt good enough for Martha and, indeed, it wasnt good enough for Jesus. His priestly love played a pivotal role in her life and in the life of you, her family. She had so many trials. And I responded in the pretty much the same way. She was very conscious of what it meant to be living a spiritual life, and had a spiritual director, Fr. May God Bless you. So, the Saturday before Mothers Day, I went to the florist to pick up the flowers. We pray for Suzanne today that she will complete her journey to heaven children, pray for mother and to her every day. After the nurse left, Mary said, "Its a relief to finally hear someone say that. There would not be Gospel without the resurrection; would not be Christianity, the church, the priesthood, the sacraments without the resurrection. She felt it was much too small, and some of the flowers looked droopy. We bury them, but not her soul, we bury her hands, but not her good deeds, bury her heart, but not her love, we bury her head, but not her memory. This woman was a child of God. February of 1999 was the beginning of Marys final trial. God doesn't take life, rather He gives us life. Required fields are marked *. I remember one time coming to visit her, and as I came through the back door, I could hear Sophie yelling. The purpose of life is to know, love and serve God (1 John 3) Children of God. FUNERAL HOMILY FOR FR. (818) 361-7387. Prior to his appointment to Baltimore, Archbishop Lori served as Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., from 2001 to 2012 and as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington from 1995 to 2001. However, now this wonderful Irish grandmother has completed her journey. B. 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.. Or you can find our funeral home and crematory in Pensacola: (850) 432-6146 . Archbishop William E. Lori was installed as the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore May 16, 2012. We remember them. But no matter how hard we work, no matter how large or small our houses, those structures are never our permanent homes. Mary we did believe at that point glimpse heavenshe was entering eternity. When a hiker is in the mountains, enjoying the wonderful outdoors, a tent can be exactly what he needs when he becomes weary and needs a place to rest and be refreshed. How many of us in this church today have sat at her table and have taken part in la cuncina della nonna . Know that in Mary the Mother of God, you have a special refuge. It was here at St. Johns that she and Pat (Pasquale), her beloved husband nurtured their faith, the faith in which they formed their family . Alex D'Mello is a catholic priest working in the Diocese of Sindhudurg (Maharastra) in India. Mary began a course of experimental chemotherapy but was not able to continue it regularly because of severe side effects. Long Illness Funeral Homily 3. "It is finished," Jesus cries, and it is done. This is why he gave us our friendship with Sophie. Preface for the dead in the Roman Missal tells us that the life of a faithful is not over. she reached out to you when you were in the most difficult situations. As we look back upon her beautiful life and example, there must be something in all of us that asks, Were not our hearts burning within us as we spoke along the road? Does not her life and example awaken in all of us a deeper appreciation for Christ and His Church? A. ), that actually translates to, "mansions". He was with us and our hearts burned within us. A. My soul yearns for you For just one day remain my sweet support. When an article appeared in the Georgetown student newspaper dismissing the Mass as a mindless repetition of prayers, Mary responded with a letter to the editor. Tests finally showed it to be a large tumor in her abdomen. FUNERAL HOMILIES FOR TRAGIC SITUATIONS: For a suicide Psalm 23 and Matthew 11:28-30, A Letter to the Deceased (Molin) Catholic Review; Real Estate Properties; Parishes. 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. In the seventh grade her teacher, Mr. Fred Sagginario, gave his students a project to do a report on saint he assigned to them. Because God says there is, and for me, The second great truth we learn from this passage is, Stop and think about that for a moment. It is a way of serving and glorifying God. The Bible refers to our bodies as tents, and for a little while, a tent can be a wonderful home. Peter Pilsner, is provided here because many PetersNet members had been praying regularly for Mary for some years before her death. The Gospel said, And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Mary believed Jesus Christ the Word of God always dwelt with her in this life and now Mary dwells with the Lord in eternity. Many of you have requested a copy of my homily from Suzanne Fogarty's funeral. she had accepted and known the love of God and of family. During these past years, Sophies family and friends have cared for her and treated her with such remarkable dignity and respect. Just as we we share in the salvation of one another in this life, so we share in Christ the work of salvation into eternity.. o a place that is meant not for them to rest eternal. After the chemotherapy, Mary returned to Georgetown University to complete her degree in nursing. In other words, Jesus is the beginning and end of all that we do and say. Oh, I love you Jesus! Surgery followed on August 21, in which doctors removed the stump along with half her pelvis. 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. A patient whom Mary was caring for died, and it was her job along with another nurse to prepare the body to be taken away. What inspires her to cleanse the body of a dying old man with worms coming from his wounds is not the desire to perform humanitarian works alone, but her ability to recognize the suffering Christ within each person that she meets. At my parents request, there are copies of those quotations available to you as you leave the church here this morning, and I know that would make Mary very happy. Near the end of Jesuss life on earth, He spoke to his disciples these very comforting words: Do not let your hearts be troubled. In this passage Jesus arrives at Bethany to find that his friend Lazarus had died. Jesus isn't just, going to just write out some instructions for us or give, us a heavenly GPS to find our own way to home; but, He's going to come back and take us by the hand and. It is the grace of God, acquired through years of private devotion and prayer, coupled with the thoughtful application of scripture, which enables her to give endlessly of herself to the poor when others who share in her empathy could not. Pray for Mary that she pass quickly from Purgatory to the fullness of life with God in heaven. Peter R. Pilsner, and thirty-one other priests. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Funeral Homily for . 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. Did Mary the mother of Jesus, John the great apostle, Peter the rock, and all the others understand Jesus' death? It tests our faith it did for the apostles. His sisters Mary and Martha are in mourning & Jesus himself also wept for his friend. Words can't be so hard to come by during the difficult circumstances that often surround someone's death, but allowing God to speak through His . He accepted to die for you and me. Some of the onlookers remarked, Hey, now he opened the eyes of the blind man. Don't you think he could have saved Lazarus?. I remember her saying, after her last major surgery, "I hope I feel better soon. St. Paul wrote to the Romans in our second reading, Hope does not disappoint. Mary was a woman of hopehope in the promises of the Lord, hope in other people. 11160 Stranwood Avenue. Much like God, death is no respecter of persons. Words fail on a day like this. Benedict Groeshel, one of Marys corespondents, used to teach us in the seminary that a spiritual experience in youth often gives clues to Gods plans for the future. Remember Jesus' death was also untimely - he was only 33. But by our faith we know that God receives the soul and ends the suffering. Let all the world know this joyful and life-changing news. St. Augustines understanding of this truth led him to write in his Confessions, You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.. She will be listening. However, I know Mary would want me to say this: that while suffering has tremendous spiritual value and is abundantly fruitful, accepting suffering and offering it up is very hard. May she find eternal joy in the Heavenly Banquet. After her time in the recovery room, she was brought up to the pediatrics floor. (This was the fault of the florist, of course. As she got news of new tumors, she began to feel overwhelmed. he comes and he welcomes us as the Good Shepherd into eternal life. As a woman of faith, I believe that when the door opened to eternity for Mary on December 26th that Mary believed with all her heart that her Master Jesus Christ would be on the other side. In moments such as this, it's understandably difficult to know what to say or how to phrase your thoughts and feelings. So, what Jesus is teaching us is that in. She could say with St. Irenaeus of Lyon that because we partake of the Eucharist even the body, grown old and infirm, possesses the hope of the resurrection. It is very symbolic that this candle stands beside the coffin during every funeral Mass. She became so distressed that she began to think she should not receive Communion. However, she didnt ask anyone else to do something she herself wouldnt do. I would like to assure you of our continued remembrance of Rose in our thoughts, prayers and Masses in the days, weeks, months, and even the years ahead. Let us place in her in the hands of Our Blessed mother. May she rest in peace. She was anointed by the most holy oils and was confirmed in the Holy Spirit. None of us ever has a perfect relationship with a loved one. The cancer had eaten away at the thigh bone causing it to break. He was an important presence in the establishment of CRNet, EWTN's web site, and ultimately PetersNet. Even as we rejoice, however, let us not forget that Lent is still not over. We might also a feel a bit angryangry at God for having taken her from us. How she would appreciate our prayers for her own safe passage having Masses offered on her behalf and interceding for her as we pray in private. However, I do know one thingI know my Master is there and that is enough., I think Mary who certainly loved dogs most especially her companion of 10 years Chewy would relate to this story. Mother was talking about offering up suffering, and Mary said out loud, "But its so hard. My life is but an instant, a passing hour My life is but a day that escapes and flies away O my God! At times we noted similarities between Mary and Therese, for example that fact that they were born exactly 100 years apart, Therese in 1873 and Mary in 1973, or again the fact that they both suffered greatly from terminal diseases, Therese from Tuberculosis and Mary from cancer. that God give eternal rest to Maryanne, that he open wide the gates of Paradise. 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. . Tents are good for a purpose and helpful for a season, but they can wear out. God never sees His children die; He simply sees them coming home., It is said that when one of his church members was dying, John Watson, the Scottish preacher of Edinburgh, would kneel down and whisper in the persons ear: In my Fathers house are many rooms.. In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. Call the Cantonment home at (850) 937-8118. You remember the scripture we read earlier. Psalm 116:15 I think of Filomenas friendship with Father Mordino, whom she loved like a son, and with whom she is also united in Gods eternity. Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue, Teach Me How to Pray, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, Priests first-Mass chalice returned after 114 years | The Hanneman Archive, Two Framed Works a Tribute to Carl Hanneman, Painter, Hand-Drawn Map Adds to Treutels Vesper History, An Open Letter to My Golden Retriever Pal, Korby, Mauston Carriage Stone Might Have Been a Cemetery Pedestal. Peter Pilsner, is provided here because many PetersNet members had been praying regularly for Mary for some years before her death. Gone is the builders temple, crumbled into dust; low lies each stately pillar, food for consuming rust. We may wonder why God has done this to us. Thats how Mary was. B. She has gone to her Father. This past week, a wonderful friend of mine returned home to the Lord at 102 years old. Suffice it to say that the night before she left us, I was able to say Mass at home by her bedside, and she received Communion for the last time. When that remarkable American was turning four-score years, he was hobbling down the street one day in his favorite city of Boston, leaning heavily on a cane.
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