The horrific circumstances of the death of Sister Philomena Lyons posed serious questions for Irish society, the Bishop of Clogher Dr Joseph Duffy told the hundreds of mourners who attended her funeral Mass in Ballybay, Co Monaghan, yesterday.
Dr Duffy, the chief celebrant at St Patrick's Church in Ballybay, said the whole community and country had been in shock since Saturday last when the nun's body was found in the grounds of St Jospeh's Convent in the town, where she lived.
Sister Philomena (68) was attacked as she waited for a bus at the entrance to the convent shortly before 8.30 a.m. on Saturday.
Dr Duffy said more and more concerns are expressed these days about the "increased violence and coarseness in Irish life" and a decline of basic discipline and respect at every level.
"The liberal agenda has indeed led to a new sense of freedom in our society and there is nothing wrong with that but it has not been accompanied so far by a corresponding sense of responsibility. We know that freedom can be a poison chalice if we are not willing to learn how to use it.
"We know that we cannot simply survive if we allow a society to drift out of control. This has now become a matter of life and death. Sadly that is no exaggeration," he said.
He said that for the people of Ballybay this Christmas would be "different to say the least". He added: "It will be marked by an open wound so unexpectedly and so cruelly inflicted on this whole community that only time and the goodness of God will heal."
He said Sister Philomena mirrored the first martyr, St Stephen, who was remembered for his forgiveness of those who brought him to a cruel death by stoning.
The chief mourners at the funeral were Sister Philomena's sister Mrs Phil Rowe, who lives in Yorkshire, and her aunt Mrs Kit McCarty. The President Mrs McAleese, who sent a message of sympathy, was represented by her aide de camp Capt Sue Ramsbottom, and the Taoiseach was represented by his aide de camp Capt Gerard O'Grady.
The Superior General of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Sister Mary Regnaldi, spoke briefly to the congregation at the end of the ceremony, thanking all for their expressions of sympathy. "What happened to Sister Philomena is a big shock and also a great mystery of life," she said. "We have many questions but no answers . . . although we are very sad we thank God for the gift of her life."
Students of three local schools - Ballybay Community School, the local Church of Ireland college Ballybay Central School, and St Brigid's girls' school - formed a guard of honour as the remains were removed to the local cemetery. A lone piper played a lament. Prayers at the graveside were said by Mgr Gerard McSorley and Fr Ciaran McCarthy.