Our ‘Longford lady’, Sister Mary Martha Keenan, who died on April 16, 2009 was laid to rest April 18, in the convent cemetery, Magheramore. The sun which had hidden for the two previous days came out in all its glory, glistening on the sea and calling the birds to song as the final prayers were said at her graveside.
Sister Martha lived out her missionary vocation with calm efficiency, graciousness and prayerful courage, whether in Hong Kong, Korea, the United States, England or Ireland. Wherever she was, up until the final weeks of her life, she kept abreast of happenings in the Church, in the wider world community and in each of the Congregation’s missions. Her conversations reflected her deep desire that the values of God’s Kingdom be promoted in all areas of life.
Her funeral bore testimony to the high regard in which was held by relatives, friends and acquaintances. Her cousins, Brigid and Joe Heavey, Marie Tynan, Donal and Maura Keenan, with members of their families were present. Friends and acquaintances from the years when she facilitated groups wishing to spend time in the cottage or Bobbio Centre on the Magheramore grounds came to bid farewell. All remembered Sister Martha’s thorough preparation for their coming and her warm welcome when they arrived.
Our parish priest, Father Dempsey celebrated the funeral Mass of the Resurrection. Concelebrating with him were a number of Columban Fathers, including their Superior General, Father Tommy Murphy, many of whom had known and worked with Sister Martha in the Korea mission.
Sister Redempta Twomey, homilist at the Mass, paid tribute to Sister Martha, woman of prayer and of active zeal in promoting the values of God’s Kingdom; a Columban Sister with a keen mind, a wholesome sense of fun and a dedication and resourcefulness in every situation.
May she find eternal joy and peace in the company of the blessed!
For a copy of the homily click here
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Our most recent photo of Sister Martha taken with her cousin Brigid Heavney during one of Brigid’s many visits to Magheramore. |
