Sister Mary Magdalen was loved by God, and loved God through the countless people who were part of her life: her family, her sisters in community, those to whom and with whom she ministered, those whose lives she touched. There are dozens of stories: hilarious, happy, tender stories: about the human way that she loved God and the ways that God loved her. She was practical-- a doer, not a talker. She loved not merely with words, but in deed and in truth.

Sister Mary Magdalen had nicknames, often considered a sign of affection. She was "Mag" or "Maggie." She called some people "Pal" and was called "Pal" by many of us from Dominican High School. She might sign notes "Amiga."

Magdalen was devoted to her family and cherished her Italian heritage. We would often compare family customs since I was one of her compadres.

Magdalen loved her ministry. It was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit (John 15:16). We knew her as a dynamic teacher. We could hear her down the hall and we would have to close the doors of our classrooms. At the same time we were learning what it meant to teach a foreign language in the audio-lingual method (in which she was a pioneer) and how to get students involved. Her fruit has endured through her students and the teachers she mentored.

She loved teaching Spanish and loved her students. Many continue to ask about her with appreciation and affection. Former students, fellow teachers and business associates came to join us as we said good-bye to our sister and friend.

Magdalen is a friend we can never forget. We remember how she good-naturedly responded to our teasing. She made fun of her own bunioned feet and her poor arthritic fingers-- and so did we. We used to tell her that she could never point anyone in the right direction because her finger was so crooked! She laughed with us.

Sister Mary Magdalen did not often, if ever, speak about spiritual matters. But you usually knew what was on her mind. She would respond and react to what was going on and you didn't have to guess what she was thinking.

Rose Lopinto, who had been cheerleader for Metairie High, was a joyful person in spite of her illnesses. She suffered a great deal physically in the years I have known her and she suffered deeply in recent years. At times, all joy seemed to be removed from her. But now she shares in God's joy and finally her joy is complete.

We have Sister's notes from her first retreat in the convent-- July 26-August 4, 1939. Her unique backhand is easily recognizable, each tiny letter perfectly formed. She wrote:

"Has anyone not seen Christ in me? ...a good topic of meditation. The truest of true friends -- Christ. Friendship should promote desire to do -- to serve... Christ as our Elder Brother loves us just as our elder brother at home loves us. (She had three elder brothers at home.)

"Strive to be kind... We are God's spoiled children. He understands us too well and excuses much... Remember the sick are the wounds of Christ; look upon them as such. They are the treasures of the community. Without the sick there are no blessings bestowed on the community...

"Our Holy Father [Dominic] was cheerful in all trials and tribulations. Let us be Dominicans - Be cheerful, don't measure your holiness by a yard stick-- Be the smiles of your community."