Cathal BarryTributes have been paid to the Cork-born Sr Thérèse Marie O’Connell who lived out her religious vocation in the heart of Lourdes for over 57 years.
News of her death coincided with the Cork & Ross pilgrimage to the French shrine, enabling a large contingent from her native city to attend her requiem Mass at the Poor Clare monastery there.
Mourners from Ireland were led by Bishop John Buckley who presided at the funeral Mass, as well as Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue.
Preaching at her funeral, Fr Robert McCabe referred to Sr Thérèse Marie as “a valuable ‘turbine engine’ in this powerhouse of prayer”.
Fr McCabe spoke of how, in 1958, as a 35-year-old, Mary Teresa O’Connell responded to God’s invitation and made the “crossover” from Rue de la Grotte where she worked in a souvenir shop to become a postulant and novice at the Poor Clare monastery.
“She hardly expected that her change of life would involve 57 years of living out her vocation here in this community,” Fr McCabe said.
“We renew our sense of gratitude for Sr Thérèse Marie as she helped the breath of God to refresh our lives. We give thanks that her breath held out until her friends from near and far could be completely present around her coffin,” he added.