delivered by Carol Wagner, RDC
Welcome to the Mass of the Resurrection in celebration of the life of Sr. Mary Alma McManus.
Reflecting on Alma, her gentle, loving, caring smile,
and her way of being present with each and every one of us,
is what we can recall today to fill our hearts with comfort
as we pray to journey forward together living as she did,
in deep commitment to Divine Compassion.
As we deal with our own sadness over her loss, memories we share about Alma and living in her footsteps and legacy
can fill us with comfort and hope.
A gentle but strong woman, fiercely loyal and determined,
no matter what the struggle or suffering she encountered –
Alma was filled with compassion and wisdom
and never ending kindness.
She lived her life in total commitment to the our community,
her family, and to each student and colleague she ministered with
for so many years as an educator par excellence
from elementary school through college.
Alma embraced others with her whole heart – day in and day out…
a humble woman who lived her life quietly,
mentoring and empowering each person
she welcomed into her class at Pace, or her life
as an Aunt and as a Sister
filled with Divine Compassion to share day in and day out.
She has touched the lives of thousands of children and families,
students and professional colleagues, young and old,
during her 60+ years in mission and ministry.
We welcome today Alma’s family members, her sister Eileen
And her dear nieces, nephews and friends
who are able to be here with us today –
We welcome you and share your loss and sadness as we say goodbye to dear Alma.
Her gentle and holy presence will be missed by each of us who knew her and loved her.
Today we celebrate that welcome Alma received last Wednesday
from her parents, her sisters, her extended family and friends…
back into the arms of Divine Compassion –
as she returned home to God.
As we celebrate this Liturgy of Resurrection for Sr Mary Alma,
let us embrace life as she did
with its struggles, challenges and its joys,
filled with gratitude to God for the gift she has been to us,
and for the legacy of compassion
we carry from her in our hearts and lives.
