It is only three days since the reeling shock of learning that our dear sister, Philomene Tiernan RSCJ, was on board the Malaysian Airliner which was so needlessly, shot to the ground. The reality of Phil’s absence among us has still to take form in our lives in the Australia–New Zealand Province. Phil was a much loved and gifted member of the Society of the Sacred Heart, tributes to her have flooded the airwaves throughout the world expressing the gift she has been to so many.
We, RSCJ, are deeply mourning the reality of Phil’s absence among us. It will take a long time to come to terms with the horrific circumstances of her death, though we rejoice in the fact that many of her emails sent from abroad spoke of joyful gratitude for the sabbatical experience from which she was returning. It seems that the past nine weeks during which she engaged in new learning experiences, renewing friendships, giving and receiving love, have been without doubt, a life-giving experience – one she was looking forward to sharing on her return to Australia.
We pray that the peace Phil emanated throughout her life will live on in those of us left behind and be instrumental in shifting the fractious and destructive dimension of our world to a place of wonder and awe that offers hope, harmony and equality for all!
Prayers are being said for Phil at Evensong at York Cathedral on Saturday 26 July – Anne Muirhead from Star of the Sea College, Gardenvale, Victoria. In solidarity, sadness & sure hope of the resurrection.