Sr. Mary Magdalen, CP - Rest in Peace
Sr. Mary Magdalen of the Good Shepherd, CP: 1945-2026
At 11:40 this morning, while the community was gathered around her in prayer, our dear Sr. Mary Magdalen was quietly gathered into the arms of the Good Shepherd to Whom she was espoused nearly 60 years ago. Sister died very peacefully, and in true Passionist fashion, on a Friday! Even as we grieve the loss of our beloved Sister’s physical presence, we rejoice that she is now freed from suffering and has finally met her Bridegroom face to face. Please join us in praying for the repose of Sister’s soul, and for the consolation of her devoted family.
We cannot neglect to express our profound gratitude to all those who have supported and assisted us in caring for Sister lovingly in her last days - infirmary helpers, Oblate volunteers, Hospice staff, and prayer warriors the world over. May the Lord be your reward!
As Providence would have it, today is not only a Friday - it is also a special Passionist feast day. St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin died on this day in 1862, and we believe that he came along with the Angels to take Sr. Mary Magdalen home. St. Gabriel is also the patron of our novitiate, and it is poignantly beautiful that our Sister who so loved the “young ones” (and who famously prayed for the arrival of 10 postulants at once!) was able to end her earthly life on his feast day.
Today’s Passionist Divine Office for Sext (Midday Prayer), which we prayed shortly after Sister’s passing, could not have been more appropriate, and so we wanted to close this post by sharing it with you …
From the Passionist Proper Breviary, pg 79:
Antiphon: One day in Your courts is more precious than a thousand elsewhere.
Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
“Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed - and He is your life - you too will be revealed in all your glory with Him.”
Responsory: The Lord has stooped down from on high and taken me to Himself. He drew me out of the deep waters.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul,
and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
St. Mary Magdalen, pray for her!
St. Paul of the Cross, pray for her!
St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, pray for her!