Here are Sr. Pat
Keating’s reflections given at Joan Looney’s funeral mass. Thank you Pat
for sharing with us.
Sr. Joan Marie
Looney
February 5,
2011
Reflections for
Joanie’s Funeral Mass
25 years ago Joanie
decided to take a 4th vow, a vow of nonviolence. She professed
these words for the first time at one of our team meetings here in
Sparkill. Since then she has prayed this vow nearly every day.
Last week I finally put my hand on it along with her bible and a few special
things our friends packed up for us when we left Charleston in early
November. Since she was no longer able to read this on her own, Ceil and I
read it with her less than a week ago. As we read it I thought of how much
Joanie had taught us (had taught me) by the simplicity of her life. She was
indeed a true preacher of the gospel message by the way she lived. Who
among us ever heard Joanie say an unkind word or diminish anyone by her
actions? She was kind and sensitive to others. She was very
perceptive and understanding which made her a great counselor to many
people. She was respectful and respected by those she ministered with and
to. Knowing Joanie she wouldn’t want much said about her during these two days
of remembrance, but we couldn’t resist remembering her life, her goodness, her
good nature because she brought so much life and love and happiness into our
lives. She was a true lover of people and she loved life to the full.
But she was no
SOFTIE! No pushover! She was very strong in her commitment to justice and
peace in our world. Whether she was speaking at one of our community meetings on
how we allocate our resources or speaking at Marion Square in downtown
Charleston on behalf of immigrants (many of whom she knew and worked with) she
was clear and very articulate on the challenges we face today as gospel
people. On the way home to Charleston after a meeting some years ago we
were reviewing the gathering and how things went. I was always very
opinionated about the events (SHE WASN’T) but this one time Joanie said, “ Well,
Pat, I don’t think people are going to call me sweet anymore!” I told her
I thought they still would!
Her understanding and
love for those who suffer from discrimination and poverty was
immeasurable. Whether you were rich or poor you received the same
greeting, the same respect and attention, the same friendship from her.
She had a real concern and sensitivity to the plight of those who are deprived
of the necessities of life in spite of all their efforts to provide for
themselves and their families. Her special understanding and love of the
newcomers to our country, the immigrant people was the highlight of these past
several years she spent in South Carolina. If the people from Our Lady of
Mercy Outreach were here this morning you would be overwhelmed by their love and
trust of Joanie. I bring them here today to this celebration of Joan’s
life. They would all want to be here.
There is so much more
to say but knowing Joanie she is now saying, “Enough Pat!”
Let us take these
moments to remember Joanie and to reflect on our own lives and how we live out
the promises of this vow of nonviolence as Joanie did. She has left us for
now but will continue to live on in us as we continue her quest for a
peace-filled world.
(Vow
of Non violence reading)
Lorraine LaRocca,
OP
Executive Team
Member
Dominican
Convent
175 Route
340
Sparkill, NY
10976-1047
845-359-4111
Fax:
845-359-4118
lorraine.larocca@sparkill.org