July 9, 1918 – February 1, 2014

“We seek to deepen the understanding of our heart and our willingness to be changed by one another”

(CSJ Constitution; Community Life)

The line preceding this quote from our CSJ Constitution states “Each of us is responsible for contributing to the vitality and holiness of the Community in which she lives. “

From all accounts, Margaret loved being a Sister of St. Joseph. I think her perpetual smile and her love for all, her family, her CSJ family and those to whom and with whom she ministered are testimony to her joy and happiness.

Although we will honor Sister Margaret’s request that there be no reflection on her life or sharing of memories; I do feel it is important for all of us to know that Sister Margaret’s preparation for her funeral Liturgy, the Constitution reading , the Scripture and songs she chose all reflect the life of Sister Margaret in Community as a Sister of St. Joseph.

Over seventy-seven years ago, Margaret committed herself to the communal life as a Sister of St. Joseph. Like the early followers of Jesus, she devoted herself to prayer, living in community, sharing all things in common and the “breaking of the bread “in the Eucharist.

Margaret delighted in the favors of the Lord which were renewed each day by her faithful God as she sought to deepen her understanding of God’s will for her in prayer.

And like the disciples on the road to Emmaus whose “hearts were burning within them”, Sister Margaret lived her life zealously spreading the Gospel in word and deed to the “dear neighbor”.

As our CSJ Constitution says, we are to have a “willingness to be changed by one another.” And we know that for each of us whose life has been touched by Sister Margaret, we have been changed.

The disciples’ experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus with hearts burning within them revealed to the disciples new life in the resurrection that was awaiting them. Sister Margaret’s earthly journey has ended and now she has full recognition of the God, who called her to Community life as a Sister of St. Joseph and nourished her soul in prayer and in the Eucharist.  Sister Margaret now enjoys the presence of her God  in the “new and eternal Jerusalem”.

Given by: Patricia E. McCarthy, CSJ