We hear this proclamation from Isaiah.

Sister Agnes DiGiacomo was a teacher, her whole life dedicated to bringing the good news to young people of every age, first as a grade school teacher and principal, and later as a high school teacher and guidance counselor at our college. She loved her students and they loved her. Whether it was teaching the little ones in Camden or Puerto Rico, or preparing a History lesson at St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle, where we had graduated ourselves in 1952, Agnes always put a lot of effort into everything she did, and that is why she was so successful at it. I remember how she would avidly watch the news each evening so as to be up-to-date on everything that could be included in the “current events” part of her lesson.

Agnes had a wonderful family, and she loved every one of them—her Mom and Dad, Agnes and Louis, her brother Malcolm and sister Liz, who became like a second mother to her. What wonderful times she had with her sister, Sister Margaret Mary, as they went to Conventions and on trips, and with her sister-in-law Kaddie, who became another traveling companion and a wonderful friend. And then there were Josephine and Charlie and Emmy and all the nieces and nephews, always loving and caring, a precious part of her life. And then there are her friends, all of you from high school and from our Community, great blessings in her life. And Sister Nancy Burke, her guardian angel, who was always there to help in all the hard times, lifting her up and bringing her through. Now she is leaning down and lifting her up to heaven.

Ag was a great organizer, and when she wanted to do something, she did it. There were eighty-seven people in our high school graduation class, but when we needed someone to plan our 50th Anniversary Celebration, guess who did it? ---Agnes!

Four years ago Agnes suggested that we make the Fanjeaux Retreat in France in the place where St. Dominic had lived and preached 800 years ago. She said that she wanted to go before we got too old to do the walking. And, using her computer expertise, she made all the arrangements down to every plane, train and bus, so that we were able to visit Lourdes, as well, thanks to Agnes’ efforts and ingenuity.

And Agnes was really kind – if you were in any trouble, she was always there to help!

Agnes told me that she would like the love of God, our love for Him and His love for us, personified in The Good Shepherd, to be the theme for this funeral liturgy. Our Gospel tells us that we have to become as little children in order to experience, appreciate and understand this love. A childlike love is very trusting. In spite of how burdensome life had become for Agnes in the last three years, she learned that only by sharing in the cross of Jesus could the yoke become more easy and the burden more light. Her sufferings could not separate her from the love of God which comes to us in Christ Jesus.

A life lived in anonymous and quiet fidelity can be as powerful as one lived in “center stage.” Day after day, year after year, there were the children, the young people, who needed guidance, who needed help in preparing for life, in forming a right conscience. This is what Sister Agnes did, always being faithful in doing God’s will in her life. And God used her to bring the Good News to many, many people.

And now the time has come for her to hear the wonderful words…..

“Well done, good and faithful servant.
Come, share your Lord’s joy!”

Goodbye, dearest Agnes, our Sister, our Friend, and ….
Until we meet again, may you keep safe in the gentle, loving arms of God.

Barbara Anderson, OP
December 12, 2007