I am saddened by the email I received today telling me about your passing away.
You, as well as the other Maryknoll Sisters, have done so much good to the people whose lives you touched in countless ways, that I feel that your leaving this world should not be just one of the multitude of events that happen everyday, duly noted and forgotten the next day.
I want to do something to help your memory linger on,and I feel the only way I can do this is to write something longish about you that is more than a cryptic email message of "I'm sorry she passed away" which is so fleeting, and so easily forgotten.
You, Sister Marie Lorraine, and the other Maryknoll Sisters of your time, have done a lot of good to the children who studied at St James. You sacrificed an entire lifetime to do good in a foreign country without expecting anything in return. You are one of a dying breed that values service and dedication without expecting any reward - which is quite contrary to the 'what is in it for me' mentality prevalent nowadays. You are truly one of the few true heroes of our time.
You influenced my upbringing and, in retrospect, I say that I am better because of it. I am proud of what I am and part of what I am is because of you and the values the Maryknoll Sisters imparted to me.
(little island).
After I left St. James, I did not hear from you for a number of years until a few years ago. I contacted you and tried to help. But true to your calling, whatever help you got, you used to help others who needed it most.
I saw your last picture with you in a wheelchair and it pained me to see you like that.
It is difficult to say goodbye. And it is hard to let you go. But everything here on earth has an end. All I can say is that the world has truly become a better place to live in because you, Sister Marie Lorraine, passed through it.
Sincerely,
Benito Lim
St. James Academy
Malabon Metro Manila, Philippines
Class 1960
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From: Mike <igt101@...>
Date: Tue Jan 10, 2006 3:50 am
Subject: Re: [sja-class-60] In memory of Sister Marie Lorraine
Benny, that was a touching letter. True, our teachers in SJA did a lot to mold our characters and values, and I am in agreement with you. Your letter is our expression of gratitutde. Thanks!
Every person that comes into our lives in one way or the other, touches us in ways that affect our totality. They did not come by chance, but were purposely there for a reason.
I Love you all.
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Pat Desaulniers <�� Deleted .�. > wrote:
Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:51:23 -0500
From: "Pat Desaulniers" <�.. Deleted �.. >
To: <igt101@... >
Subject: Re: [sja-class-60] In memory of Sister Marie Lorraine
Thank you both for the tribute to Sr. Marie Lorraine. Today is her funeral and I shall give a copy to her brother who will be, I am sure, very thankful for your words.
May all of St. James graduates continue to thrive and be blessings for our world! I am so proud to have been one of the teachers there, too.
Sr. Pat Desaulniers (formerly Sr. Miriam Emmanuel)
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(posted by Carol Alba)