DUENAS, ANNE MARY
Sr., CSJ
Father:
Jose Camacho Duenas
Mother:
Ana Torre Franquez (maiden)
Tribute (excerpts) to Sr. Anne Mary Duenas, CSJ:
"We Remember Her in the rustling of the Leaves and in the beauty of Autumn."
"If we have died with Christ, we believe that we are also to live with him” Romans 6:8
In a small daily reflection book of the writings of Pope Francis there is a quote that reads:
"To place our sight on our own death and resurrection causes our lives to change its center from "what we could do" to focusing on “what the Lord has done for us and will do for us."
Sister Anne Mary has had her sight on her own death and resurrection for some time now. Not in any morbid or sad way but in a manner which caused her life to change its focus from what can I do with the life I have remaining, however long that may be, to how can I live my life in a manner that shows my gratitude to God for all that God has done for me in my life.
Annie's end of life wishes and funeral plans, including her Scripture readings and music all speak to her belief that "if we have died with the Christ we are also to live with him." These wishes and plans have been well documented over many years. Having lived with significant physical challenges during her life, Annie did change her focus to live in such a way that her mind and heart were set on eternal life. She was aware that eternal life is not something that starts after you die, it is also the here and now, and it is the life we share with others during our life on earth.
Eternal life was made visible to Annie in her community life here at Fontbonne Convent through Annie's generous spirit, her prayerful presence and her many acts of kindness to the Sisters. Eternal life for Annie was the joyful spirit that she brought to her young primary grade students, it was the confidence that she gave to the timid, shy children, that learning could be fun and they would love school, it was the peace she gave to the youngsters she prepared to receive God's love and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, eternal life was her love for the Eucharist that she manifested to the children as they learned about gift of the "great love of God" they were going to receive at the time of their First Communion, it was the assurance and the support that she gave to the worried, concerned parents of her students, it was the cheerful smile she gave to the young women at Fontbonne Academy. Eternal life was also the strength and protection she gave to her sister, Jeannine over the years when they traveled to Boston as young children. As the oldest in the family, Annie took charge even at a distance. She loved her family and was so proud of each and every one of them down to the last born grandnephew. Eternal life is love and love never dies.
Source(s):
* Obituary for Sr. Anne Mary Duenas, CSF
* Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston