Death Anniversary Mass

Introduction: We seem to give them back to you, O God, who gave them to us. Yet, as you did not lose them in giving, so we do not lose them by their return. Not as the world gives, do you give. What you give, you do not take away, for what is yours is also ours, if we are yours. And life is eternal and love is immortal and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is but the limit of our sight. As we grieve today at the death of our dear sister and friend, Fr Leslie, you know our pain, our loss and our tears. Console and comfort her dear ones back home and fill in the emptiness of those who will really miss her with the belief in your power that turns our sorrow into hope and new life in you. We make this Penitential rite: -Lord, you who turn our sadness into gladness, Lord -Christ, you who turn our death into resurrection, Christ

-Lord, you who turn our darkness into light, Lord

Opening Prayer:

We praise you, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob and God of Job for the little miracle of resurrection, which reminds us of your love. Naked we came and naked shall we return; it is you who give and it is you who have taken away. Blessed be your name. Even beyond death you call us by our names. And you called our little sister Fr Leslie your beloved and too her to be beside you always. We remember again, O Lord, our sister Fr Leslie in the serene calmness and profound tranquillity with which she conducted herself that was so part of her whole being. We remember her, on this first day of her passing from us, as that compassionate and sensitive friend who would look at the needs of others before her own. As we recall and celebrate her memory, we pray that we will share in some small measure the simple joy and humble presence she so elegantly carried. We make thisAmen.

Intercessions:

-That Fr Leslie and all those who have died may experience the fullness of life and love, we pray -That all those in her natural family and the family of Holy Cross who will find an irreplaceable vacuum may be comforted, we pray -That all those who had come in contact with Fr Leslie may be inspired by her marvellous example and silent witness of hard work and dedicated life, we pray -That all those who have been wounded by the death of the one they love may be helped to find the new life that comes through death and suffering, we pray -That all those who are dying and are afraid may have the courage and strength to go on their last journey, we pray

-That all those doctors, nurses, medical and other personnel who assisted her, stood by her, prayed for and all those who continue to assist with the formalities of getting her body back to Bangladesh be blessed and rewarded in some way, we pray

DEATH I have got my leave. Bid me farewell, my brothers! I bow to you all and take my departure. Here I give back the keys of my door and I give up all claims to my house. I only ask for last kind words from you. We were neighbours for long, but I received more than I could give. A summons has come and I am ready for my journey.