“There are many rooms in my father’s house”
John 14:2
In the fifty-second year of her profession, Turvey Abbey’s beloved sister
SISTER PAULA M. DANSEN, O.S.B.
was called by God into the fullness of LIFE and PEACE on
11 May 2009
Sr. Paula was born on 17 November 1930 in The Hague, Holland, and made her monastic profession at Schotenhof in 1958. For almost all of her monastic life she was cantor and sacristan. In 1962 she came to Cockfosters, where she worked in the embroidery studio and helped with guests, she moved with the community to Turvey in 1981. At Turvey she was in charge of the embroidery studio, creating wall hangings, altar frontals and vestments; as well as taking her turn with enthusiasm and willingness in the everyday work of the community. She had contact with people from all walks of life, fostering ecumenism through friendship. Many will remember her for her genuine interest in their lives and work.
* * * * * *
Above is Sr Paula’s death notice as issued by Turvey Abbey a couple of days after her death and today is her funeral. My prayers and love are with the Sisters and Brothers today as they lay their Sister to rest in joy and peace eternal. A candle burns brightly for Sr Paula as I type.
Here is a section from the Office of the Dead which I shall be praying today: -
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin. Thanks be to God for he has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, alleluia. Having the spirit of faith, we believe that he who raised up Jesus will also raise us up along with Jesus. Thanks be to God.”
