Jane: Good evening everyone
Tonight, I have been asked to speak on behalf of the community in thanking two very special people. Mercy sisters, Genevieve and Madonna have been integral members of our parish for almost a quarter of a century. Tonight, we farewell them as they move into retirement care at Nudgee.
Together, Genevieve and Madonna have quietly engaged in a ministry of prayer for everyone in the Mt Carmel community. Their warm welcome, engagement, and acceptance of all has been inspirational and both are much loved. Genevieve and Madonna have a great capacity for friendship and have opened their hearts and home to many. Here in the parish, they have made friends leading Lenten discussion groups and prayer groups and Genevieve in particular has engaged with many through her love of sport of all codes, particularly cricket in summer and the NRL in the winter months. For those who aren’t aware, she’s a great Cowboys supporter.
A country girl from Nanango, Genevieve travelled far and wide in her younger years, teaching in London and France. From a big family she learnt her great hospitality and cooking skills and no doubt honed her sense of humour and great stoicism in their midst.
She is perhaps best known to many of us as a tireless advocate for the marginalised, particularly refugees and asylum seekers. She has been a good friend to the Romero Centre who will be among the number to miss her wise counsel.
Madonna started life in Goodna, attended All Hallows School and then trained as a nurse. Before arriving here at Coorparoo, Madonna’s nursing career had led her to leadership of the Mater Public Hospitals and leadership of the Mercy Congregation. Managing such responsible roles, it is no wonder Madonna loved the opportunity to travel and holiday.
We have been the beneficiaries of so many aspects of her roles in nursing and leadership, which she has brought to the ministries in which she has been engaged here at Mt. Carmel. She has been a catechist for the RCIA program, has led communion services, been a reader, eucharistic minister and taken communion and good cheer to the sick.
A good friend of Sister Helen Maguire, former principal of Mt Carmel School and dear friend of Father Jerome, she has been a great support to him as he has struggled with his own changing circumstances. Madonna’s gentle guidance and presence has been a gift to so many.
And now Madonna and Genevieve face their own changing circumstances with grace, great faith, and some sadness. Downsizing from their home in Bunyah St has been a new and challenging experience. Both apparently are hoarders! No doubt during the process of making difficult decisions about culling Madonna has been mindful of advice she once gave to her Aunt Marie: Sometimes God wants us to do what we don’t want to do. And perhaps on the more difficult days she has agreed with her Aunt Marie whose response to that advice was that God could mind his own business!
But as both Madonna and Genevieve know, change is one of life’s certainties. As they face this change in their circumstances and move from the community they have embraced for so many years, we pray that they know our ongoing love and support. As they will miss us, we too will miss them.
(Martinho to present candles) Knowing that you have culled many treasured items in preparation for your move, we hope that you have room for these gifts, candles which will remind you of the light this parish has been for you and the light that you have brought to so many in this community.
Tonight we thank you for your presence with us and for being present to us.
Father Martinho will now bless you both as your journey continues.
Farewell dear friends.
Martinho: I invite everyone to raise your hands in blessing for Madonna and Genevieve.
Genevieve and Madonna, we have been abundantly blessed by your love, care, wisdom, compassion and faith. You are light for us all. We pray that you will always know the infinite kindness of our God.
Living God, Giver of life, Heart of life, Breath of life, Sustainer of life
Bless Genevieve and Madonna today, tomorrow and always.
All: Amen.
Tonight, I have been asked to speak on behalf of the community in thanking two very special people. Mercy sisters, Genevieve and Madonna have been integral members of our parish for almost a quarter of a century. Tonight, we farewell them as they move into retirement care at Nudgee.
Together, Genevieve and Madonna have quietly engaged in a ministry of prayer for everyone in the Mt Carmel community. Their warm welcome, engagement, and acceptance of all has been inspirational and both are much loved. Genevieve and Madonna have a great capacity for friendship and have opened their hearts and home to many. Here in the parish, they have made friends leading Lenten discussion groups and prayer groups and Genevieve in particular has engaged with many through her love of sport of all codes, particularly cricket in summer and the NRL in the winter months. For those who aren’t aware, she’s a great Cowboys supporter.
A country girl from Nanango, Genevieve travelled far and wide in her younger years, teaching in London and France. From a big family she learnt her great hospitality and cooking skills and no doubt honed her sense of humour and great stoicism in their midst.
She is perhaps best known to many of us as a tireless advocate for the marginalised, particularly refugees and asylum seekers. She has been a good friend to the Romero Centre who will be among the number to miss her wise counsel.
Madonna started life in Goodna, attended All Hallows School and then trained as a nurse. Before arriving here at Coorparoo, Madonna’s nursing career had led her to leadership of the Mater Public Hospitals and leadership of the Mercy Congregation. Managing such responsible roles, it is no wonder Madonna loved the opportunity to travel and holiday.
We have been the beneficiaries of so many aspects of her roles in nursing and leadership, which she has brought to the ministries in which she has been engaged here at Mt. Carmel. She has been a catechist for the RCIA program, has led communion services, been a reader, eucharistic minister and taken communion and good cheer to the sick.
A good friend of Sister Helen Maguire, former principal of Mt Carmel School and dear friend of Father Jerome, she has been a great support to him as he has struggled with his own changing circumstances. Madonna’s gentle guidance and presence has been a gift to so many.
And now Madonna and Genevieve face their own changing circumstances with grace, great faith, and some sadness. Downsizing from their home in Bunyah St has been a new and challenging experience. Both apparently are hoarders! No doubt during the process of making difficult decisions about culling Madonna has been mindful of advice she once gave to her Aunt Marie: Sometimes God wants us to do what we don’t want to do. And perhaps on the more difficult days she has agreed with her Aunt Marie whose response to that advice was that God could mind his own business!
But as both Madonna and Genevieve know, change is one of life’s certainties. As they face this change in their circumstances and move from the community they have embraced for so many years, we pray that they know our ongoing love and support. As they will miss us, we too will miss them.
(Martinho to present candles) Knowing that you have culled many treasured items in preparation for your move, we hope that you have room for these gifts, candles which will remind you of the light this parish has been for you and the light that you have brought to so many in this community.
Tonight we thank you for your presence with us and for being present to us.
Father Martinho will now bless you both as your journey continues.
Farewell dear friends.
Martinho: I invite everyone to raise your hands in blessing for Madonna and Genevieve.
Genevieve and Madonna, we have been abundantly blessed by your love, care, wisdom, compassion and faith. You are light for us all. We pray that you will always know the infinite kindness of our God.
Living God, Giver of life, Heart of life, Breath of life, Sustainer of life
Bless Genevieve and Madonna today, tomorrow and always.
All: Amen.
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