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Sister Mary Paschal Nolan
Born to life: 2
April 1914
Born to eternal
life: 4 January 2007
Homily at the Requiem Mass
on 10 January 2007
delivered by Sr Maureen Andrews, Congregational
Leader
 Today
it is my privilege to reflect on the life of Sister Mary Paschal using
the readings specially chosen for her in this Mass and the sisters’ observations of her life. Quite often we commence by listing the various
places where the sister worked and citing their achievements. Today I
am going to ignore this custom and speak of ordinariness and how Sister
Mary Paschal worked at holiness and freedom through savouring some of
the ordinary things of life. Sister Mary Paschal was in many ways a private
person. Though I spent some time gathering stories and information both
here and overseas, even so my material is rather scant.
To most of you gathered in this church it is no secret that Sister Mary Paschal
loved chocolate. KFC was also dear to her heart. At the vigil last night I heard
that chicken pies were indeed another favourite. In fact when I visited her in
Penola just before New Year she asked me to give her some chocolate. In my mind’s
eye I can picture her lying peacefully in bed, eyes bright and eager as she savoured
the flavour. She was watching me quite intently and I wonder what she saw.
So what did I learn from her especially during the last three years
when she was frail in health but showed fierce courage and exhibited
no bitterness? Firstly I learned about the magic of everyday things and
how something ordinary takes on the extraordinary given the right circumstances.
Secondly I learned that the best way to engage her in any conversation
was to always address her as Sister Mary Paschal. In fact when I was
looking through cards she received I noted that she corrected her name
when her full title was not used. Another learning was that she was quite
insightful about people and situations. She had a wicked sense of humour.
 Thirdly I cannot recall her making any complaints. She was not a bitter
or greedy person. She was grateful for the visits of family and friends
and would greet people very cheerfully. She asked for very little. The
ability she had to enjoy lovely things never wavered – especially
the fine bone china for a decent cup of tea.
Although her body was wearing out her person was growing in freedom
of spirit as she accepted with love and patience her journey into the
final stages of life. As I watched I learned something of happiness,
and how wholesome enjoyment frees us. C S Lewis, that great Christian
writer, says that our greatest protection against the devil is to enjoy
things. So I think she says to us today – open up, enjoy and be
free.
It seems to me that during her three years in Penola Nursing Home Sister
Mary Paschal was very conscious of our care and concern in a way that
mellowed her and made her more gentle and docile. She became free. We
saw her grow more fragile in recent months and I imagine that in the
experience of loss each of us will find consolation in knowing that she
is now in a much happier place, where pain and suffering are no more.
Love of family, friends and the Institute held the key to salvation
for Sister Mary Paschal. In the readings Jesus says: My sheep hear
my voice and I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal
life. They shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my
hand. So Sister Mary Paschal, little Lamb of God, you have heard
the voice and followed Jesus and now you are enjoying eternal life. We
know you will not perish.
So I ask each of you what spell did you fall under when you visited
Sister Mary Paschal? What did you learn about everyday things? My hope
and prayer is that you learned that savouring and indulging the ordinary
can make us free and give us life – the real life that Jesus promised.
Our world is becoming increasingly complicated and often we learn to
demonise pleasure, be afraid of our own feelings; relationships become
strained. Let us remember the words of the reading: Let your
tolerance be evident to everyone and the Lord will be near. Self-indulgence
is not always bad. The reading continues: “Whatever is
lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about these things”. I
say do more than think … remember them,
give thanks and enjoy! I think that is what Sister Mary Paschal
would want us do.
Let us now unite together in praying that Paschal might find deep joy
in her final journey home. As we gather for this final farewell
to Paschal let us support each other and be united in prayer. May
the God of consolation grant you peace.
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