We have lost someone we love dearly; the good news is that we can turn within our hearts and find Mary Louise, closer than before. We can say those things that perhaps we hesitated to say. It is a gift to be able to communicate in this deeper way. We can ask her to help us; that's good news.

The best news is that in faith, we know that Mary Louise's suffering is over. Her mental anguish, her "dark night of the soul," has ended. She no longer fears death, and the unknown. Now she truly experiences and knows the truth of God's special love for her. She rests in the peace of God's forgiveness, rejoices in God's compassion. That is the good news we all look forward to, complete awareness of God's goodness to us.

The Church prays- "Look with favor on us that we may dwell with you forever." That prayer is answered for Mary Louise as God says, "I will look with favor on all who are faithful, that they may dwell with me." (Ps 101) I can hear Mary Louise say, "With contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received… and now we follow you with our whole heart." (Dan. 3) "Before the first rays of dawn, I come to you."

The prophet Isaiah says, "God will destroy the veil that veils all peoples." The veils of fear and anxiety have been removed so that Mary Louise now sees God clearly. While on earth she thought so clearly and was very articulate in expressing what she understood. Now she sees what is essential- God's inexpressible love for her. Isaiah says, God "will destroy death forever." And so she is prepared to enjoy eternal life far more than anything left behind on this earth. "The Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces." Eventually we come to realize that we may be sad for ourselves, and we become grateful because Mary Louise enjoys the peace she has always longed for. She comforts us with these words of the psalmist, "I was helpless, and so God saved me."

In the letter to the Hebrews St. Paul reminds us that Jesus has the power to "free those who through fear of death have been subject to slavery all their life." Mary Louise is indeed freed from the slavery of fear. Her "life is changed, not ended." What a wonderful surprise when we find a life far better than what we left behind! Now Mary Louise, in God's company, enjoys the wonderful gift that God has always had in store for her. Now she sees God, as God really is.

Mary Louise's last months on earth held many trials-- physical illnesses, anxiety, the desire to return to her room where she could have the things she needed, and probably other difficulties we know nothing about. And yet God granted her many gifts-- excellent care, physical healing, improvement in her mobility, patience, love, and encouragement from her family and her Dominican sisters; she found gratitude for those who were kind to her, a certain joyful spirit, a peaceful heart, and apparently the gift of an easy death. It is said that a joyful spirit is a sign of God's presence in us. In her last days Mary Louise seemed to exude a sense of peace and joy.

Mary Louise remains part of our lives. We can keep her memory alive by the stories we share. We can ask her to intercede for us in God's presence, enjoying all that she ever hoped for. God of merciful love, prepare a place for us that we too may one day find our complete joy in you. With her we pray, "Lord, keep me from shame for I have called to you. Let your face shine on your servant; save me by your love."

We sisters have a custom: when we take our final vows we receive a gold ring and each sister selects an inscription to be engraved in the ring. Mary Louise's inscription is "Ad Jesum per Mariam," to Jesus through Mary. When a sister is dying we gather around her and sing the Salve Regina-- the “Hail Holy Queen.” Sr. Mary Veronica and I sang the Salve for her in the hospital. "Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile, show to us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus."

-- from the eulogy by Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P., Prioress