The family and friends of Nora have shared this tribute to her and her love of God’s creation:
Nora McDowell RIP December 2017, Rathgar Parish Laudato Si Group.
Nora was an original member of the Rathgar Laudato Si’ group. Her long standing curious, interested and engaged approach to life and spirituality plus her extensive life experience ensured she was a valued member of the group who contributed much. When Nora died peacefully in December 2017 her family wanted her connection with Laudato Si to be reflected in her funeral service. The large congregation which attended the service witnessed a copy of Laudato Si being brought to the altar as a symbol of its importance in Nora’s life. The Communication reflection below is an extract from Laudato Si. We all miss Nora and her wonderful spirit. We trust that part of her legacy will be that the words of this reflection from Laudato Si will be realised.
Our Communion reflection is from Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter ‘On Care for our Common Home’.
“To be present to each reality, however small it may be, opens us to much greater horizons of understanding and personal fulfilment. It is a return to that simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things.
We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.
Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth.”