Comments on: When a Catholic Sister dies

By: Mama B

Mama B — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:27:34 +0000

Sister Julie,

Our parish has lost one of our local nuns, Sr. Mary Lillian from the Mantellate Sisters, Servants of Mary. I didn’t know her very well, but we chatted when I saw her at the parish for an event. She was very sweet.

Today is her funeral and it is a most interesting event. It is an interesting sight to see several priests from the diocese and different orders on the altar concelebrating, as well as deacons. There are representatives of other orders of nuns and a couple of religious brothers here. I, personally, have never seen this. (Well, I saw it on tv with the funeral of Pope John Paul II, but that I expected since he was the leader of all the world’s Catholics and ultimate head of every religious order.)

It has been quite the wonderful experience. Again, as Discerninglife25 said, “Sorrow for the loss of that wonderful person, but also joy because that person is in God’s hands”, I don’t want to take away from the community’s sorrow, but Sr. Lillian is whole, well, and happy with her Lord and Saviour.

By: mjpss

mjpss — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:49:30 +0000

my condolences and prayers to you and your community, sister.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:00:49 +0000

Dear Ryan and Phillip, Please know that the prayers of all the IHM Sisters are with you and St. Anne’s School and Parish. Thank you for writing and letting us know how much she means to you.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:57:45 +0000

I’m from St. Anne’s School and today we found out that Sr. Alice died. I feel really bad because she was a nice person and was a true example of what God wants us to be like. But at least we know she’s in heaven with her family and friends. All of the kids missed her and some even cried when we found out. I wish I knew her better than just helping her out every once in a while when she asked the kids to do something for her. She’ll be missed.

By: Phillip

Phillip — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:49:48 +0000

I may have not known Sister Alice well, but in the time that I did get to know her, I knew that she was a very nice person, one that loved God. One thing that I really admired about Sister Alice is her determination. She never was sad or angry because of her sickness. She still pressed forward, just like every Christian should do. I will miss her. God bless her, and may she be singing with the angels and arcangels in heaven. God bless you, Sister Alice.
Student at St. Anne- Phillip

By: Miss Dina

Miss Dina — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:44:54 +0000

All my prayers and deepest condolences to you and your sisters during this diffcult time.

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:35:53 +0000

Thank you for all of your prayers and tender words.

By: Bek

Bek — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:59:18 +0000

Sincere sympathy and prayers as you experience the loss of your sisters. Thank you for setting down your experience, feelings and thoughts during such a difficult time – it has given me much upon which to reflect and pray. I guess none of us here on earth really know how to put the reality of passing into its proper perspective, but experiences such as yours can teach those of us in the lay community a great deal. Thank you.

By: deerose

deerose — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:57:44 +0000

Another Sr. Julie:

“like we were midwives birthing our sister into the hands of her Beloved.”

Wow! That is a beautiful and powerful perspective. I never thought of it that way. But with what you say, it makes total sense. Thanks. dee

By: Another Sister Julie, CSSF

Another Sister Julie, CSSF — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:33:55 +0000

The first time I ever sat with a sister until the end was a real eye opener. Our tradition is to call the whole community together in the room and into the hallways praying and waiting. It was like we were all midwives, birthing out sister into hands of her Beloved. It certainly gives me a different outlook on death.

I hope you can sense the loving presence of your sisters now celebrating with Jesus in eternity and allow that to lift your heavy heart. Peace be with you!

By: discerninglife25

discerninglife25 — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:52:10 +0000

My prayers and symathies are with you at this difficult time.

Death is never an easy topic. You often find yourself on a rift in which you are experiencing sorrow and joy. Sorrow for the loss of that wonderful person, but also joy because that person is in God’s hands. And you know what’s interesting? Death usually brings people closer together. It cuts down boundaries between people and find the similarities in their hearts. I like to think that is that person’s last gift to you. In fact, St. Francis called death fondly “Sister Death.” Grieving is still very difficult indeed, and I will continue to prayer for you and the others that knew these two wonderful sisters.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:43:40 +0000

((Prayers))

By: Sister Gayle OSF

Sister Gayle OSF — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:31:59 +0000

My sincere prayers and sympathy. Two at the same time. The longer I am in community, the harder the deaths are, but as you mentioned, they are home.

By: Sister Pat Farrell, OP

Sister Pat Farrell, OP — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:31:38 +0000

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Julie. It must be hard, too, to not to have been there. We all have these special sisters in our lives. I take great comfort in knowing that they are closer to me now than when they lived 20 miles away.

By: Teri

Teri — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:23:51 +0000

I understand your loss and I send my prayers to you.

Mother Anne, Sisters of Visitation, Federal Way, WA always took me under her wing. She had the warmest hands – they literally radiated love. Now when I meet anyone who has the physical warmth she possessed, I think of her, and know her spirit still travels among us.

The special memories you shared with us will be honored in your heart for eternity. Peace to all of you who have given your life to inspire the rest of us.

By: Denise

Denise — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:14:16 +0000

My prayers and sympathies to you and your nuns.