Two shining lights

I hesitated to use this image and story because I spoke recently of the death of another wonderful former colleague. However, as this is my journal and as this has been the focus of my day today, I could think of nothing more appropriate.

I sadly watched today, via a streaming service, the celebration of the lives of two more former colleagues. Marie and Cecily were two daughters of a family of nine children. Seventy years ago Marie entered a Catholic convent, followed two years later by Cecily and a few years later by a third sister, Therese. They all remained in the convent. Marie, aged 90, died last week. It was not unexpected. Cecily (86), to everyone's shock and sadness, died suddenly two days later. Today they were buried side by side.

These two women were both highly intelligent and well educated. They were both talented administrators, educators, and committed defenders of social justice. Loving sisters with very different personalities - both great women. The world is a diminished place without them. Our hearts go out to Therese, all of their family and their community.

The emblem on the candle holder is the emblem of the Sisters of Mercy, the community to which Marie and Cecily belonged. The extra, showing the two coffins, was taken during the funeral service today.