We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved Funeral: Friday, March 28, 2008, at 4:00 p.m.
As the community joyously celebrated the Paschal Mystery of Christ's life, death and resurrection, Sister Mary Francis Corrigan made her final journey, crossing over into eternal life. She lived her final days comforted by friends and family, supported by her sisters' prayer and presence, deep within her own being, awaiting her final song: Alleluia! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! During World War I, as war raged on the European continent, Mary Corrigan, age two, traveled with her family from Scotland to the United States to begin a new life. At age 15, young Mary began a new journey, leaving her family to give her life to God within our religious community. She wanted to be a sister to those with whom she would share her life of consecration as well as a sister to all whom she would serve in her ministry as an educator. Throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and in Detroit , teaching in the primary grades, Sister Mary Francis helped the children learn their facts, while she also taught their hearts to care for one another. Sensitive to unique needs, attentive to individual circumstances, Sister Mary Francis guided and nurtured the children by being gentle, fair and kind. As an administrator and a local superior, Sister Mary Francis shared herself in the same way, using kindness, sensitivity and generosity to touch hearts and to strengthen the bonds of support needed by her sisters for living and loving as Jesus did. As she ended her years in education, Sister Mary Francis continued serving others as a caring, pastoral visitor to the sick and elderly. In the same way as she had used her gifts in schools and in her local communities, Sister Mary Francis spent her latter years in ministry, visiting the lonely, bringing life and spiritual presence to those whose days were long and sometimes painful. Sister Mary Francis was a woman who enjoyed others, loved life, and lived it to the full. She knew how to tell a good story, to laugh, to draw others out and bring them into the circle of relationships. She lovingly celebrated the successes and blessings of others as much as her own. Often, she was the life of the party and, even in her aging, she was quick with a response that often brought laughter. We give thanks to God for your life, your spirit, your self-giving, Sister Mary Francis. We celebrate with you as you sing, t his is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! Alleluia! Birthday: April 22
|
