On November 11th, 1841 Catherine McAuley died. With great love we remember Catherine who in her living and in her dying passed on to us the legacy of charity.

“Each day is a step we take towards eternity, and we shall continue to step from day to day, until we take the last step, which will bring us into the Presence of God..

In her book entitled, According to Catherine, Sr. Bonaventure Brennan, rsm, records that Catherine had in her early age a fear of death which was probably influenced by her experience at the deathbed of her mother. Bonaventure notes however that this fear ebbed away “as she assisted at the deathbeds of so many members of her family and community… On the strength of this she faced her own death with peace and calm, and total trust in God.

Catherine encouraged those who knew of her original fear with these beautiful words:

If I had known that death would be so sweet, I would never have feared it.  (According to Catherine, Page 140)

Catherine McAuley expressed a strong desire to die on Ascension Day… The instant the clock struck twelve… she stretched out her arms and, as if it were an immediate call on her to go, she settled her head and before we could say the departing prayers, she was gone.

As we remember you today Catherine, we thank you for the prophecy and vision that you brought to life on earth.  May we feel the closeness of your presence and the mercy of your heart.