Fr. Today, the directive wont be difficult to keep, because to speak of Mary is to speak of faith and a journey of faith. For throughout her life she consumed the Body of Christ broken to make us whole and the blood of Christ poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Death cannot win in the end because our Lord conquered the grave. Sample Funeral Message for an Older Person - Tony Cooke The funeral Mass was held on June 7, celebrated by her brother, Fr. 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. That's where two people got into trouble, for thinking that they knew more than God himself. Weeping may endure for the night. During that month she had a fever of unknown origin. 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. Her left eye was treated successfully with radiation, and gave her good vision throughout her life. But these are memories you won't ever forget. May her soul rest in peace. They question whether life has any ultimate purpose or not. Sophie was through and through, a Catholic. 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. O grave, where [is] thy victory? Remember Maggie, Ashlyn and Thomas, we were talking about this yesterday. John 14:1-3, 6 Mary had been given all kinds of assurances that the doctors could save her leg. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 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. It is the basis of our Christian faith. In the midst of all this should we grieve? And as she did the project, she found herself to be very much attracted to Therese. 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.. C. Perhaps in her final hours, Filomena had a similar dialogue with Jesus. Suzanne's death is not God's fault, God is not to blame for it. Try, If The Preacher Is Dead, The Sermon Will Be Dead, Chasing The Dream, Preaching Greatness, And Knowing Your Audience. By praying for Sophie, we return to her the love that she showed to all of us. He was an important presence in the establishment of CRNet, EWTN's web site, and ultimately PetersNet. And her life of prayer and devotion only continued to grow. After the nurse left, Mary said, "Its a relief to finally hear someone say that. Faith Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory - Pensacola and Cantonment, FL Change). The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining and so the doctor opened the door. It puts my heart as ease to know that one day I'm going, to my Father's house He built for me, and I pray you, My Father's house is where I'm always accepted and. I go to prepare a place for you, so that where I am, there you may be also.. Across the centuries comes the theme Ill sing, not cry.. . Our hearts are burning within us today because, through Sophies friendship, we encountered the Risen Lord Jesus. prepared His disciples to face the future without fear. She is standing there waiting for us lovingly and tenderly waiting for that day when we too will enter the doorway of eternity. His sisters Mary and Martha are in mourning & Jesus himself also wept for his friend. However, we cannot speak of Marys spiritual journey without considering how she dealt with suffering. And let perpetual light shine upon her. Sophie did it by her friendship and witness. Male logic it can solve everything. Mary was first and foremost an educator. Job speaks of death as "the place appointed for all the living" (Job 30:23). It also honors the memory of Mary K. Hanneman (1932-2018), a devoted mother. Peter Pilsner, is provided here because many PetersNet members had been praying regularly for Mary for some years before her death. So many people in the world are looking to find meaning. Investigative reporter, The Epoch Times. In her final dialogue with the Lord, we can hear an echo of the Lords own words, I am the Resurrection and Life. Hence, as he used to put it, the first job of parents is to help their children get to heaven. The Bible refers to our bodies as tents, and for a little while, a tent can be a wonderful home. In addition to her encounter with Therese, there was another experience that profoundly affected Marys life. The last thing she meant to do was impress me. Through Sophies friendship, example, and charity, Christ was speaking to us and forming us. The running joke among them is how often they begin a sentence with the words, "Msgr. Lord, I want to see you without veils, without clouds, But still exiled, far from you, I languish May your lovable face not be hidden from me Just for today. 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. For many, this is the most significant loss of their entire life. For her, life has merely changed, it has not ended. 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. What an awesome encounter. PDF FUNERAL SERVICE FOR AN ELDERLY CHRISTIAN LADY - abiblecommentary.com However, Mary had an experience that changed her life in this regard. After surgery, she then underwent extensive chemotherapy. Over Memorial Day weekend my parents, James, John, and Connie (Johns fiance) were with her at the St. Anns Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital. 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.. The news was devastating to her. Fr. Heide was the chaplain of the Hunter College Newman Club while my parents were in attendance there. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. I thought to myself, Heres our cancer patient, making small sacrifices, trying to put into practice Thereses little way. She toiled and worked especially for her children so that they could stand on their feet. Msgr. The Book of Ecclesiastes said, There is an appointed time for everything and a time for every affair under the heavens.A time to be silent, and a time to speak. Mary knew the importance of speaking and being with people. Funeral For Elderly Christian Woman - Sermon Central 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. And then, she would race back to her kitchen table and spend the rest of the day welcoming and feeding the countless visitors and friends who would gather at her home. She said, very simply, "Well, I do like it, but I try to make small sacrifices." Jesus came on a search and rescue mission, and he was successful. Directory of Parishes; Schools. Dear brothers and sisters, We live in a world where power is often measured in terms of resource and influence. 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 . They will need you now, if not more than ever. Men said, as they saw its beauty, It shall never know decay. She always had a sit down dinner. She prayed like Mary and attended to the details of hospitality like Martha. 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. Sermon for All Souls Day 2017 The Catholic religion is the one the takes death most seriously by Father Cipolla. But as Roman Catholics, we believe that people like Rose, who leave this world as faithful followers of Our Lord, are with Jesus. So, we try to suppress our feelings, but no matter how hard we try to do that, our anger is still there. This is the objective ground of our faith in the coming day of resurrection. In moments such as this, it's understandably difficult to know what to say or how to phrase your thoughts and feelings. Mom was happy and surprised to get a second Mothers Day bouquet, and once again, Mary had done something remarkable. Around her table, our hearts burned within us as Christ spoke to us. For 102 years she walked along the road with us, and we are deeply sorrowed by her departure. Mary had a sense of awe on her face. We call it the Paschal Candle because we light if firstly at Easter. Funeral Sermon For Elderly Women - lia.erc.gov On the morning of June 4, she passed away rather suddenly in the presence of her parents. He is the Judicial vicar and the director of Diocesan Pastoral centre, Sawantwadi Sindhudurg. She married her dear husband, Gary, on . Moellenberndt and the Rite of Committal at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Cemetery. As she got news of new tumors, she began to feel overwhelmed. 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. 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. In this Christmas Season we celebrate Marys Mass of Christian Burial. And indeed, if it were not for that faith, I would have very little to say to you that would be of any consolation or meaning. I did this for a good reason. But for us, what always amazed and inspired us was that in spite of the difficulty, she did accept it. she was a Christian and she loved God, One person said: There is nothing more certain than death, and nothing more unsure than life.. Oh, I love you Jesus! When youve been around someone for many years, or for however long youve been alive, that person can become an important part of your life, and you miss them when theyre gone. Fr. personally lead us to our Father's house. Whenever we hear this beautiful prayer in the Gospel of Luke, Mary refers to God in the third person. Moellenberndt and the Rite of Committal at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Cemetery. We know that this life is not the final story. A while later, Mary looked at the flowers and observed that this bouquet wasnt quite up to standard. I know little of what is on the other side of death. A suffering that is not felt is suffering no longer, and it is hard to see how, under such conditions, it could still fulfill its special Christian role." A Funeral Homily for my 102 Year Old Friend, Sophie This past week, a wonderful friend of mine returned home to the Lord at 102 years old. Joe wrote that Mary in her final earthly hour opened her eyes. Joseph Pilsner, C.S.B., and concelebrated by her brother, Fr. Your child will leave before the readings with a teacher/helper and have a 20 minute lesson, then return to Mass for Everyone is invited to join us every First Friday for Holy Hour devotion. She was watching some congressional hearing on the television and she was red-faced and screaming at the television. Apparently they had their questions and doubts as to God's ways at times. It is the basis of our Christian faith. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. The purpose of life is to know, love and serve God (1 John 3) Children of God. How happy Mary must now be to live in the Presence of the Lord reunited with Dave and all those who preceded her into eternity. God didn't cure Suzanne's cancer and that is God's business, but He sure gave you the strength of faith you need to carry the cross of her sickness and death. My soul yearns for you For just one day remain my sweet support. Death reminds us that there is no final resting place in this world. . That is to say, Marthas faith was maturing right before Jesus eyes and ours. More than this, I pray that we will neither waste nor squander the great gift that we were given. This is how she shared with you Jesus that she received in the sacraments. Thank you Fr. In speaking about death, she said, "I think it must be a beautiful moment." You remember the scripture we read earlier. The seed has to die in order to germinate a new plant. About a month ago Mary called me at Spellman High School. God's house, which is in an actual place called heaven, That gives me great comfort, that I can know for sure, that Jesus has already prepared a mansion in heaven. And you know the way where I am going. That is because Jesus remains with them in the Eucharist. Many of you have requested a copy of my homily from Suzanne Fogarty's funeral. As for any normal girl, there were often other things she preferred to do. I encouraged her to receive Communion as a way of seeking strength and grace from God. (818) 361-7387. We can only imagine her joy in all the new people she is encountering in eternity. Chosen by God (Eph 1) The grub becomes a dragonfly. We remember them. After walking with us for 102 years, Sophie was called to the Fathers House. People gravitated to Mary because they knew she genuinely had an interest in them and their lives. The glory of God, shining brighter than the sun, is her radiance, and her face is now glistening in that glorious light! How happy Mary must be. As I mentioned, Mary was a person of faith, and knew the value of suffering. I have no doubt that, in her lifetime, Filomena prayed many a soul into heaven and probably emptied out Purgatory with some regularity. The cancer had eaten away at the thigh bone causing it to break. Amen. Even this past spring, I was with a van full of college students on our way to a book discussion and I detoured so that we could all go in and say hello to Sophie. It was her seventh and final major surgery. Homily from Suzanne Fogarty's Funeral Mass - Saint Peter the Apostle I know he will rise, she says, at the resurrection on the last day.. They need a friend who will walk with them, who will bear witness to them. Come and spend an hour in silent prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. 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. There was the story of Pastor Ngango (Nah-gone-go), whose beloved wife had dies. We may ask why God is inflicting on us so much pain. When someone died or was diagnosed with an illness, Sophie would cry. 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. Only an intimate and eternally secure relationship with God can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. (p. 168). How joyous must be Christmas in heaven. I had the privilege to preach at her Funeral Mass today. Sometimes she did, and sometimes she didnt. It is only changed. I got home, and gave them to my mother, who accepted them joyfully and graciously, and put them in a vase. The first one I wish to mention seems rather simple. He accepted death and given us the rewards of eternal life. 2. Denomination: Christian Church Summary: Funeral Message for a Christian Woman who passed away after a lengthy battle with Cancer. We pray that on the Day of Resurrection her body will be raised up. 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 was very conscious of what it meant to be living a spiritual life, and had a spiritual director, Fr. Her trip to Ireland with her three sisters was a joy for all of them. 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. Death reminds us of this. These biographical details (which focus on Marys medical history) are given to provide a context for the homily that follows. 2023 ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE, ALL RIGHT RESERVED, Charity In Truth: The Blog of Archbishop William E. Lori, The Joy of Believing: A Practical Guide To The Catholic Faith, 2022 School Policy Manual (Updated February 2022), Archbishop Loris Pastoral Letters and Reflections, Archbishop Loris Homily: Easter Sunday 2023. Tradition-minded Catholic. 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.. With us today is just about the every priest in the Archdiocese of Washington. But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. A good priest and friend would say, now that's God's business stay out of the garden, making reference to the Garden of Eden. Again and again she witnessed this in the death of loved ones and in the real-life drama of raising and caring for a large family. I met Sophie when she was just a young woman of 84. to celebrate and honor the life of ________________. The news that made our hearts burn within us. I responded that first, it was a nice and appropriate bouquet, second, that mom was certainly satisfied with it, and third that the vase was actually too big, and made the bouquet look smaller than it was. Homily at the funeral of a mother Believing in Jesus' resurrection is the core of Christian belief. Be Missionary Disciples; In Need of Prayer? All Rights Reserved. He was a founding board member of Coracle, and instrumental in enabling Corhaven to come into reality, among so many other things. Later that weekend she and I were alone while my mother went home to do some errands. 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. We have seen the Lord! Tell them its hard." $ 12.00. Father Christopher Monturo. Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven. On behalf of the parish community of St. Monica, I would like to (once again) extend our sincerest condolences and sympathy to the members of Roses family. The ceremony today contains many reminders: Sprinkling with water=baptism; white pall=new life; the candle=resurrection. Words fail on a day like this. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It's given me new insight into John 1.v.5. . There, around her table, people encountered Christ. Every person in this world has to go through it. Please attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass as a family. First, a word of sympathy and love to Filomenas family as we commend her to the Lord of life and love. It is OK to be sad, distressed sure, but in our faith we are sure we will see our dear one again. Funeral directors perhaps unintentionally emphasize the temporary nature of the grave by referring to burial as an internment. Internment means being in-between - being in between this life and the life to come. Peter Pilsner, is provided here because many PetersNet members had been praying regularly for Mary for some years before her death. 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. When someone we love passes on, there is naturally an element of sorrow. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Perhaps that was what God was doing, preparing Mary for the future, helping her know that God loves us, even though he allows us to suffer. We pray that the fire of Christs love purify her. You can find it on Amazon.com. Charles Hoffacker is the author of A Matter of Life and Death: Preaching at Funerals, a book devoted to helping clergy prepare funeral homilies that are faithful, pastoral, and personal. (This was the fault of the florist, of course. I suppose you could call him the spiritual grandfather of our family. 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. She is now enjoying the presence of family and friends who have preceded her in death. loved. Two months?" Great is thy skill, O builder: Thy fame shall endure forever. A teacher built a temple with loving and infinite care, planning each arch with patience, laying each stone with prayer. She stood by you. Stay Safe!! He took our sins on his sinless shoulders and carried them to the cross. Please feel free to call us any time of the day or night and any day of the week for immediate assistance. In this passage Jesus arrives at Bethany to find that his friend Lazarus had died.