she had lived out a full, complete, life. So, Jesus proceeds to probe Marthas already solid faith. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok. Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A, 2023. Before this, we would be inviting and encouraging her to join us for the rosary, but now we might find her praying the rosary by herself in her room. When retinoblastoma is present in both eyes during infancy, there is a chance that a different kind of cancer, osteogenic sarcoma, will appear later on in life, in the teens or early twenties. So we come to the end of a journey; it is a good day. Sermon for All Souls Day 2017 The Catholic religion is the one the takes death most seriously by Father Cipolla. In her pain, she prayed to God, and was amazed at what happened next. Believing in Jesus resurrection is the core of Christian belief. She received the sacrament of penance and reconciled with God and his people. This is how she shared with you Jesus that she received in the sacraments. Through her friendship, through her example, and through her witness, Christ drew near to us. After the nurse left, Mary said, "Its a relief to finally hear someone say that. As we commend her soul to the mercy of God and commit her body to the grave, our hearts experience a mixture of emotions. She was even afraid that she might die not accepting Gods will. My life is but an instant, a passing hour My life is but a day that escapes and flies away O my God! "This woman was a child of God. They dont receive the sacraments. Readings: Acts 2:14, 36-41; 1Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a text widget. She was baptized on April 20, 1941, and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on May 29, 1955, at which time she received Christs body and blood in the Sacrament of the Altar for the first time. For some of us that has been a very long time, most of our life, or even its entirety. And these are not merely my sentiments. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. For 102 years, Sophie--as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend-- has been following Christ and being perfected by Christ. This is not to say we were or are the perfect family or perfect people. Ash Wednesday-February 22nd. To understand it though, we must go back about forty years and call to mind a dear family friend of happy memory, Msgr. However, she didnt ask anyone else to do something she herself wouldnt do. This past week, a wonderful friend of mine returned home to the Lord at 102 years old. Shop: Roman Catholic "RC" Brand Original White Logo Collection Mug. There was the story of Pastor Ngango (Nah-gone-go), whose beloved wife had dies. With us today is just about the every priest in the Archdiocese of Washington. It would be an understatement to say she was a long-standing member of this parish. Marsh for adding a new dimension to my understanding of "the shadow" being backed by a source of light. It also honors the memory of Mary K. Hanneman (1932-2018), a devoted mother. In speaking about death, she said, "I think it must be a beautiful moment." McCarthy, Fr. He accepted to die for you and me. He didnt know what was on the other side of the door. These biographical details (which focus on Marys medical history) are given to provide a context for the homily that follows. . Over the years she read extensively on Thereses life story and spirituality. You know that to love you on earth I have only today. Funeral of Joseph Lemm. Perhaps that is why she enjoyed the Silver Sneakers exercise group so much. The glory of God, shining brighter than the sun, is her radiance, and her face is now glistening in that glorious light! She has gone to her Father. Filomena was also part of another family of faith, the Sunday TV Mass at the Shrine a ministry which extends the Eucharistic liturgy to the sick and homebound. John 14:1-3, 6 They are lost and are searching for hope. We may ask why God is inflicting on us so much pain. 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. Therefore, St. Paul preached not only the resurrection but also the crucifixion of Christ. On Wednesday, Deacon John Cronin was privileged to preach the homily during the Funeral Mass for Jane Schermerhorn, the long-beloved wife of Charles. There would not be hope without the resurrection. This homily was delivered on Jan. 5, 2019, during the Mass of Christian Burial for Mary K. Hanneman. It gave Mary an opportunity to talk with the mailman. But at least we knew what the truth was, and, when we had a mind to, we knew which direction we should go. There would not be Gospel without the resurrection; would not be Christianity, the church, the priesthood, the sacraments without the resurrection. And we are joined by Filomenas fellow parishioners here at St. Johns. He restores my soul; He guides. C. Perhaps in her final hours, Filomena had a similar dialogue with Jesus. I saw that the jar was practically full, and thought perhaps that Mary had tried it and didnt like it, so I asked her. Mary was a full-time reading specialist here at Sacred Hearts School. The following information about Mary Pilsner and the homily given at her funeral Mass by her brother, Fr. She loved her Catholic Faith. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup Then she went on to tell me a story about an experience she had while doing a hospital rotation at Georgetown. They need someone to do for them what Sophie did for us. Denomination: Mary set high standards for her own children and the children she taught. FUNERAL HOMILY FOR FR. Remember Jesus' death was also untimely - he was only 33. One of her special treats was her homemade jam that was always present to be enjoyed. I think of Filomenas friendship with Father Mordino, whom she loved like a son, and with whom she is also united in Gods eternity. She felt it was much too small, and some of the flowers looked droopy. She married her dear husband, Gary, on . Honorable Public Officials, Distinguished dignitaries, Members of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, Members of the New York Police Department, dear friends in Christ. 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 place for you. And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. Job speaks of death as "the place appointed for all the living" (Job 30:23). To see this you need only read the quotes on suffering that she shared with her friends. She was very concerned that she and my brothers and I did everything we could to make Mothers Day a special occasion. Jesus came on a search and rescue mission, and he was successful. Words fail on a day like this. In todays Gospel, we can imagine the intensity of the conversation between Jesus and those two disciples. Faith was central in our home. I remember her saying, after her last major surgery, "I hope I feel better soon. 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.. In this Christmas Season we celebrate Marys Mass of Christian Burial. We are grateful to Charles for giving Deacon John this opportunity: I cannot improve on the Word of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The first one I wish to mention seems rather simple. Even as we rejoice, however, let us not forget that Lent is still not over. Don't you think he could have saved Lazarus?. Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can never be an Easter Sunday. A good illustration of this can be found in the life of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. 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. 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. But, it is also the case, that I wanted others to meet Sophie and to be moved by her example. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. However, now this wonderful Irish grandmother has completed her journey. It is natural. She nourished her body with the most holy body and blood of Christ every time when she participated in the Holy Eucharist. Dear friends in Christ, today, we bid farewell to our sister and to our friend, Sophie. If it were not for Jesus' suffering, those five wounds, dying and rising, life would not have meaning. The underpinning is about to fall away. Sandra Jeanne Russo nee Delcorps was both on March 2, 1941 in Racine to William and Amanda Delcorps. Mary was there trying to get some relief for her pain. 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. I know he will rise, she says, at the resurrection on the last day.. She was sensitive to the feelings of other people, caring about them, and trying never to offend. Then, the great teaching moment, Your brother will rise again, Jesus told them. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, John 14, John 14:1-6, Psalm 23, Psalms 23:1-6, Sermon Topics: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Did Mary the mother of Jesus, John the great apostle, Peter the rock, and all the others understand Jesus' death? Her career in our school lasted for almost three decades. In this Christmas season we believe Mary is with the Lord. 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.. Mary said to me, "the other nurse was telling me come on, lets go because I was just standing there. Therefore comfort one, ____________ died in the Lord, knowing Christ as her, personal Lord and Savior, so that means when Christ. Continuing tests showed that the same lung from which a tumor had already been removed now had a new tumor, so Mary underwent lung surgery again in September. It is only changed. Msgr. . She had just been hired to work as a nurse in an adult day care center on Long Island, when a tumor in her lung was again discovered. Often we priests use phrases like family of faith to describe their parishes but thanks to your dear mother and father, now reunited in eternity you truly are a family of faith a very big family of faith. Amen. 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. We look back upon Sophies life, her example, her friendship, and now even her death, and we are able to say with the two disciples from todays Gospel, Were not our hearts burning within us as we walked together on the road? Today, our Catholic Faith--a Faith that Sophie practiced, lived, and loved--brings to us immeasurable consolation and joy. JAN MILCZ, CSsR. 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. May she rest in peace. Fr. I was in awe thinking what a privilege it was to be in that place. 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. We come together as believers to remind ourselves of the truths of faith. So to Filomenas sons and daughters, Caterina, Lucia, Pasquale, Anna-Maria, John and your spouses and to Filomenas 28 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends my sympathy, love, and prayers. It tests our faith it did for the apostles. Many of the things featured here are family treasures he preserved and protected for many decades. That's where two people got into trouble, for thinking that they knew more than God himself. 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. Herman Heide. He can always cure me. One of the things I always found remarkable about Sophie was how passionately she experienced everything. I was having coffee after dinner, and she was having tea. Sudden Loss Funeral Homily 2. As she got news of new tumors, she began to feel overwhelmed. This is why he gave us our friendship with Sophie. They dont pray. PO Box 140187 Some Details on Marys Life These biographical details (which focus on Marys medical history) are given to provide a context for the homily that follows. Three months after her 20th birthday, she felt pain in her left thigh, and in January the pain was diagnosed as a tumor. but even now, that is, three days after my brothers death I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you. When Jesus says, Your brother will rise, Martha is not satisfied. Or you can find our funeral home and crematory in Pensacola: (850) 432-6146 . Tradition-minded Catholic. We pray that on the Day of Resurrection her body will be raised up. Duane also gave a wonderful homily at the funeral Mass for David D. Hanneman in April 2007. Stay Safe!! Pilsner's homily given at his sister's funeral on June 7, 1999. He was teaching us, loving us, and drawing us closer to himself. Sophies long pilgrimage of Faith began on the day of her baptism when she became a daughter of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. Oh, I love you Jesus! We come in order to be a part of that work. I had the privilege to preach at her Funeral Mass today. The fabric can become weak and torn and the poles can collapse. This message can be adapted to fit most any situation. So the death is the doorway to the new life. About a month ago Mary called me at Spellman High School. This seemed to convince her, and she received Communion. 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. They need a friend who will walk with them, who will bear witness to them. When the nurse told Mary that it was almost Christmas, Mary simply smiled and said, I love Christmas. She was here in this life for Christmas but then entered eternity. 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 . 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. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. There would not be Gospel without the resurrection; would not be Christianity, the church, the priesthood, the sacraments without the resurrection. In her final dialogue with the Lord, we can hear an echo of the Lords own words, I am the Resurrection and Life. 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. Mary began a course of experimental chemotherapy but was not able to continue it regularly because of severe side effects. B. Suzanne's death is not God's fault, God is not to blame for it. I am sure from eternity Mary will continue to pray for us. A Catholic priest living the joy of priesthood in the midst of the flock. There, around her table, people encountered Christ. 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.. May she receive the reward of her well-lived life. 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. It is true, that in part, I would do this because I wanted Sophie to feel the closeness of others. 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.. Alex D'Mello is a catholic priest working in the Diocese of Sindhudurg (Maharastra) in India. 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. The value of the Mass and Holy Communion in providing us with Gods grace ought never to be underestimated or ignored. The Funeral of Rose Marotta 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 Rose's family. News, analysis & spirituality by email twice-weekly from CatholicCulture.org. Each one of us, as we look back on Margaret's life, remembers the period when we knew her. At first, it was thought to be the flu, then perhaps in infection. And we, the children of God, we the members of Christ's body, We get to participate in the work of our Redeemer. 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 mourned with those who mourned and she rejoiced with those who rejoiced. We have remembered you in our Masses and prayers these last days and so we will in the days ahead. They dont have faith. he rose from the dead destroying forever, the kingdom of sin and death. In the seventh grade her teacher, Mr. Fred Sagginario, gave his students a project to do a report on saint he assigned to them. You are a Christian man and dont know whats on the other side? the man said to the doctor. At about the same time she developed pain in what remained of her left leg. February of 1999 was the beginning of Marys final trial. God wants all of us to love him and to follow him. Sophie was through and through, a Catholic. The purpose of life is to know, love and serve God (1 John 3) Children of God. Denomination: Christian Church Summary: Funeral Message for a Christian Woman who passed away after a lengthy battle with Cancer. He wrought it with grace and skill; pillars and arches all fashioned to work his will. With them I am joined to you in solidarity of faith, hope, and love. It was a praise to God, a song of Christs victory, a hymn of confidence. I think she would consider herself a disciple of Therese or perhaps a member of that "army of little souls" that Therese wished to form. So, what Jesus is teaching us is that in. But as for John Quincy Adams, he never was better never was better!. She lifted her head, looked at something. $ 12.00. They question whether life has any ultimate purpose or not. Pray for Mary that she pass quickly from Purgatory to the fullness of life with God in heaven. 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. 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. 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. She wanted to see her spiritual director and make a general confession, and I told her I would contact him for her. Martha and Mary felt abandoned too when Jesus didn't come to their house for 4 days after Lazarus' death. In any event, the point should be made that Mary drew strength and inspiration from the life of Therese, and consciously put into practice Thereses little way. 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. . He told His disciples, "Do not let your hearts be, troubled ", we can also apply this to our own hearts, As Christians, we're exposed to troubles, sorrow and, This scripture teaches us is that while we can't prevent, the losses in our life, we are able to find the strength in, When Jesus suggested to us that we "trust in God; and, trust also in Christ." It was that hope that led Mary to always think of others before herself. By praying for Sophie, we return to her the love that she showed to all of us. He recognized that beyond the temporary physical man on the outside, there is a spiritual and eternal man on the inside. This experience marked the beginning of a new depth of spirituality for Mary. But the temple the teacher built will last while the ages roll. She felt everything in life and she felt it deeply. 1 2 Next The Old Rugged Cross (M. Gilley) Friends we have gathered here today in this place to celebrate, remember, and praise God for the life of __________ Mary was all about doing for family and friends to bring them happiness. The two disciples race back to the upper room where the apostles are all gathered together and they recount what had happened to them. 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. Masses at 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. K of C Lenten Fish Fry is Friday, February 24th AND March 24th, Feast of the Chair of St. Peter Pot-luck Parish Dinner, Sunday School/PREP (CCD) for 4 yrs old through 1st grade, Memorial Day Holiday-Parish office closed-Mass at 9am. Psalm 116:15 I cant pray it with you, but I can listen." Even though ______________ will be missed, there is something very appropriate about her departure, even as the author of Ecclesiastes indicated, There is a time to be born, and a time to die (see Ecclesiastes 3:2). If we could see, only for a moment, just how glorious _______________s homecoming was, no one here would call her back to the limits of her aged body. 2007-2021 The Hanneman Archive Mary we did believe at that point glimpse heavenshe was entering eternity. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Death reminds us of this. Jesus did. 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. 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. You can use a text widget to display text, links, images, HTML, or a combination of these. All Rights Reserved. That is where all good people go. Charles Hoffacker. Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. Investigative reporter, The Epoch Times. We were talking about this big candle and what it meant. What an example of faith, love for Suzanne you are. B. 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.. Mary tried to speak. 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.. Id like to begin by expressing, on behalf of my family and myself, our profound gratitude to all those who have supported us by their friendship, love, and prayers over these past five years. This homily was delivered on Jan. 5, 2019, during the Mass of Christian Burial for Mary K. Hanneman. Catholic Review; Real Estate Properties; Parishes. Our faith promises this to be true. John and the people of St. Peter's, I extend to you, John, your two daughters, Maggie and Ashlyn, and son Thomas, to Suzanne's mother Annette, father James, her sister Amy, her niece Lily, and nephew Eric, may I extend our deepest sympathy and assurance of our prayers. Our hearts are burning within us today because, through Sophies friendship, we encountered the Risen Lord Jesus. The Rite of Christian burial states that the homily at a funeral Mass should not be focused on the deceased, but rather on our faith. Wisconsin Veterans Museum prepared His disciples to face the future without fear. After surgery, she then underwent extensive chemotherapy. We Have Seen the Lord! However, we cannot speak of Marys spiritual journey without considering how she dealt with suffering. Peter R. Pilsner, June 7, 1999. Father Paul Scalia, at the funeral Mass for his father, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, stood up to give the homily, and after a few words of introduction and thanks, began by . 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. Duane also gave a wonderful homily at the funeral Mass for David D. Hanneman in April 2007. In moments such as this, it's understandably difficult to know what to say or how to phrase your thoughts and feelings. 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." All Rights Reserved. The hinge on which this Gospel story turns is Marthas response: I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God . She received Christ through these sacraments and gave Jesus to all of us through her love. But if Im not going to get better, I would rather things happen quickly. We struggle with death especially when it's out of the order of life. personally lead us to our Father's house. Whenever we lose a person dear to usa person who has played a significant role in our liveswe are flooded with all types of emotions. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1977. If I think about tomorrow, I fear my fickleness I feel sadness and worry rising up in my heart But Im willing, my God, to accept trial and suffering Just for today. It was not a large home physically but it was greatly enlarged by family, faith, hospitality, and love. So, I told Mary, no problem, Ill take care of it. Chosen by God (Eph 1) The grub becomes a dragonfly. It was her seventh and final major surgery. 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. As He told Thomas: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. We live in the hope that when our earthly pilgrimage is done, we will be at home with God forever. 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. It was not a song of despair or fear or sadness. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. FD 1747. That is the lesson to draw, that is the lesson Mary herself drew, and that is her gift to us. She became so distressed that she began to think she should not receive Communion. 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. Main Webpage for Liberty Union . she was a Christian and she loved God, One person said: There is nothing more certain than death, and nothing more unsure than life.. The Apostle Paul, speaking of the confidence possessed by a believer, said. 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. Did I say she was considerate?) Peter R. Pilsner, and thirty-one other priests. Mary Rose Pilsner was born on August 31, 1973, the fifth and youngest child of Arnold and Marcia Pilsner. Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Soon Ill fly away to speak your praises When the day without sunset will dawn on my soul Then Ill sing on the Angels lyre The Eternal Today! BISHOP ETON, WEDNESDAY 11 JULY 2018 at NOON "As a man lives, so shall he die" is a phrase that will resonate with all Redemptorists of a certain vintage: the vintage mainly represented on the sanctuary today.