Sr Maureen: A life well lived

At the Mass of thanksgiving the congregation included people from all parts of Sr Maureen's life who joined together in prayer for a life well lived.  Following the entrance hymn, How great thou art, Sr Jayne introduced three symbols which represented aspects of her life, these were then placed on the coffin amongst the family floral tributes.

The New Testament and Gospel teachings inspiring her life and Jesus as model teacher,
the French flag to represent her love of France and
a paper mortar board presented by staff and students from
the College de Mazenod representing her time in Camroon and lifelong commitment to education

Bishop Michael Campbell presided, the chief celebrant was Ccanon Luiz Roscillo as Diocesan Director of Education, Fr Anthony Keefe gave the homily in which he reflected on the time they were both chaplains at Our Lady's High School, now Our Lady's Catholic College in Lancaster. He remarked on how staff and pupils soon came to realise how they had a great advocate in Sr Maureen as both chaplain and Chair of Governors. 

Claire Dickinson singing
I found a treasure

Monsignor Doyle

At Communion, Claire Dickinson one of the Angelinas and teacher at the Cathedral primary school sang a hymn she sang at Sr Maureen's Golden Jubilee 'I found a treasure' (Photo left).  A final tribute was given by Sr Anne, the Ursuline sister who had spoken at her Golden Jubilee.  A moment which would no doubt have amused Sr Maureen was when together the Ursuline sister pointed to the altar where Monsignor Bernard Doyle who she had worked with at Christ's College Liverpool, now Hope University.  Despite initial plans he had unbeknown to Sr Anne been able to attend and concelebrate and so the Urslines said in unison 'he's there'.  Fr Andrew Allman sang "May the Angels greet you, may choirs of angels welcome you, welcome you that you may rest in peace".  Following a tradition of St Angela, the Ursuline sisters joined by the Company of St Ursula accompanied her with lighted candles to her final resting place in the Lancaster Cathedral Cemetery.  

Ursuline's holding candles before processing to the cemetry 

When the time of our particular sunset comes, our accomplishments won't really matter a great deal.  But the clarity and care with which we have loved others will speak with vitality of the great gift of life we have been for each other.  Gregory Norbert, O.S.B.

Following the service the congregation went down to St Thomas More's for refreshments and an opportunity to continue to share their memories of Sr Maureen Coyne, OSU.  Please see Sr Zela's blog for a final word on a life well lived