On the life of Sister Mary Agnes

Ordinarily when it is my turn to write the Sister's Perspective article I wonder what to write about. Not this time! I have something beautiful and wonderful to share with you.

We just celebrated the Going Home to the Lord of our dear Sister Mary Agnes of the Blessed Sacrament on May 28. Her funeral was celebrated on May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of our Blessed Mother to Elizabeth. It was the only day and the only time that our Bishop Folda was able to officiate, with ordinations following immediately that evening.

Let’s turn back many pages to the beginning. Christine Carol Ann Tremblay lived “community life” from the start, being born into a large family, the sixth of 15 children, 11 boys and 4 girls in Providence, Rhode Island. Christine was a very energetic youngster, working at a great variety of jobs. ln this way, she was able to pay her tuition through high school and college.
Christine discerned a vocation to a life of prayer and entered our daughter Foundation in San Angelo, Texas in 1997. Five years later she transferred to our Carmel of Mary here in Wahpeton. Her talents as a Certified Public Accountant and her many other gifts were put to use in our Community.

Sister Mary Agnes was a very prayerful person with a great love for the Liturgy, plus her personal prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Until a few years ago, we rose for the Office of Readings at midnight, a practice she continued individually to the end of her life.

Her prayer life was balanced with full participation in Community activities. She could laugh heartily and tell funny stories at recreation, while sewing small scapulars. Sister was very attentive to the Sisters’ name days and special occasions, sending beautiful, spiritual messages for each occasion.

In 2017, needing medical care, Sister moved to Manor St. Joseph in Edgeley. Then in May of 2022 Sister began suffering from stomach cancer, with amazing courage and cheerfulness.
Sister would come to the monastery for a few days when she had appointments in Fargo, and she was so happy to be able to chant the Divine Office with us. She could still laugh and tell funny stories, rising above her sufferings to spread joy to all of us.

Sister had a keen interest in others’ needs and embraced the prayer requests given us with fervent personal prayer to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The Holy Eucharist was the center of her life. How she loved caring for the altar as sacristan and laundering the altar linens to perfection!

During February it seemed the Lord would not be long in coming for her. Her obituary, funeral booklet and all other items were printed up, leaving the date of death blank. And we waited and waited, with Sister longing ardently to be with her Beloved in heaven.
February ... no; March ...no; April. .. no; May... finally the great day came. Sister Marie and Tammy (administrator of the Manor) had just finished praying Morning Prayer, ending with the invocation: “May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and lead us to everlasting life.” At that moment Sister Mary Agnes breathed her last, and went to her Beloved Spouse.

Sister Mary Agnes loved Jesus’ words: “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you,” words she desired to be on her tombstone. Following her promise to pray for us in heaven, we earnestly are “taking her up” on her promise. We invite you to do the same.