Remembering today my dear sister Josephine who left us a year ago. She was a tower of strength for my parents and the whole family over the years. In particular she took care of our house for so many years, cleaning, scrubbing, washing, especially over the last 20 years alone with my mother, and by herself since 2010. But always thinking of others in her humble, simple way of life. From my funeral homily: 'St. Teresa of Calcutta used to say that the ideal Christian does not do extraordinary things in life, but rather ordinary things with a great heart, with lots of love. And Josephine did precisely this throughout her entire life – with sincere love, towards us, and everyone who knew her.
And like Martha, more than Mary of Bethany....while we talk and check on our cell-phones, Josephine prepares something for us to munch on, through her gentle hospitality. But contrary to Martha, she doesn’t object to anything, or ever complains that nobody is helping her. And when illness hit home, she accepted everything without ever complaining, with a brave resignation and incredible courage. And if there is an expression that fits her is this in rhyming Maltese – Ġuża l-Kuraġġuża. (The Courageous Josephine!)' I Thank you Lord that you gave us a person who through her patience and simplicity, obeyed you faithfully, served us humbly, and spoke with her prudent silence, pregnant with love. Her eloquent silence endeared her to many friends who admired her for her humility, meekness and gentleness – and that is why everybody loved her. Rest in Peace, with our parents and brother Paul.
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