Background
The Funeral Mass for the late Mary Holt RIP will be celebrated at 1.00pm today by the Parish Priest of Edenderry, Father Gregory Corcoran, in Saint Mary’s Church, Edenderry, Co Offaly, in the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin. This Mass will be livestreamed on https://www.edenderryparish.ie/our-parish/webcam/
Homily delivered by Father Corcoran
We gather once again with heavy hearts. Mary’s passing, like Tadhg’s, has came too soon, in a way that feels unfair and deeply painful.
When someone dies tragically words can feel small, and faith itself can feel tested. And it is important to say that God understands that pain. Even Jesus wept at the death of His friend.
Today we remember Mary whose life was quietly shaped by care. She started working in the old hospital at the tender age of 15 years. Never one for the spotlight, but at the bedside: helping, comforting, noticing the small things. That kind of work tells us a lot about a person. You don’t become a carer unless you have patience, compassion, and a generous heart. Day after day, year after year, Mary showed up for others when they were most in need.
Indeed there is very few in this area who haven’t experienced the love, the care and attention of the staff of Uibh Fhaile house, through a loved one or family member.
In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” Every act of kindness, every gentle word, every moment of care given in tiredness or stress – none of it was wasted. It all mattered. It was all seen by God.
Mary’s death leaves an empty place: in her family, among her friends, in Uibh Fhaile house, and in the lives of those that she cared for. Grief today may feel mixed with shock, anger, confusion, and deep sadness. That too is part of love. We grieve because Mary mattered.
Our faith does not pretend that life or death is easy. Faith doesn’t give us an easy pass in life. But faith does promise that death is not the end. We believe in a God who brings life out of death, light out of darkness, and hope even from tragedy. We entrust Mary now into God’s care – the same care she so often gave to others.
May Mary rest from her labours.
May she know peace after pain.
And may those who mourn Mary today be held gently, one day at a time.
Eternal rest grant unto Mary, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Next March, Mary was to go on pilgrimage to Međugorje in honour of our Mother Mary, and so we pray, Hail Mary …
ENDS