May 19, 1928 – June 16, 2015

“And this is eternal life:

To know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent, Jesus, the Messiah.

(John 17:3)

I imagine most of us think of eternal life only as living forever in heaven. But Biblical commentaries tell us it is more than that. It is not something that starts after you die. It is also the here and now. Eternal life is God’s own life living in us – and God’s life living in us is Grace. Eternal life is the kind of life that results from a close loving relationship with God and His Son, Jesus. “This is eternal life, that they mayknow You, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) Eternal life is peace, joy and assurance; it is comfort, strength and hope. It is never ending life with God after we die, but it is also a life we share with others during our life on earth.

God’s plan for Sister Rosalia Marie was to provide eternal life, “a future full of hope” (Jeremiah 29:13) for her young girls at Boston School for the Deaf. God’s love was made manifest to the youngest girls Rose nurtured as their dormitory supervisor. Eternal life in the “here and now” for Rose’s youngsters was her peace, joy, assurance, comfort and strength.

Evidence of this can be found in the entries of the guestbook section of Norton’s Funeral Home website. I’ll let these former students speak for themselves.

Tracy says, “When I was sad Sister Rose would cheer me up with a pep talk, simple hug and smile.” Eternal life is comfort and joy.

Sharon’s comment, “Thank you for molding us into finest young ladies, it is all because of you believing in us.” and “Sister Rose was my first house mother when I was four years old…never forgot her kindness helping us in the dorm. God bless you, Sister Rose…wish you a good journey to heaven to meet Jesus Christ.” Eternal life is assurance, strength, comfort, and knowing God and His son, Jesus.

I understand that Sister Rosalia was BSD’s sports teams greatest fan. She loved all sports and could always be found on the sidelines cheering. Donna remembers “she loved (to) watch sports, I miss her, I won’t forget about Sister Rose.” Eternal life is joy.

And finally, “(Sister Rose)…my second mother growing up, she was loved, will be missed. Love, Susan.”  Eternal life is comfort.

As the quote on the program cover states; “Our mission of unity requires that we be Christ’s healing presence among people, as we strive to alleviate ignorance, suffering and oppression through spiritualand corporal works of mercy.” Rose certainly embodied the Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy. Sister Rosalia Marie embraced our charism of unity and reconciliation for almost sixty-five years . She shared eternal life with everyone she met. May she now enjoy the gift of eternal life that comes to those who believe, with family and friends who have gone before her.

Rose, we celebrate and honor your life as a Sister of St. Joseph. We will miss your mischievous smile. You brought great joy to our lives and for that we are grateful. May you rest in peace.

Given by: Patricia E. McCarthy, CSJ