18 July 2014
Dear Sisters and Friends,
This morning we heard the very sad and shocking news that one of our RSCJ sisters Philomene (Phil) Tiernan was on the Malaysian Airline plane that was lost over the Ukraine yesterday. We wanted to share that news with you and to ask your prayer for her family, her province of Australia/New Zealand and her wide circle of friends and colleagues. Phil was Provincial of Australia/New Zealand from 1993 to 1999. She was at the 1994 General Chapter in Canada and had extensive contacts in the Society.
Phil was on her way home, having travelled to Europe for a retreat in Joigny, the Janet Stuart workshop in England, and a family reunion in Holland. Many who encountered her at the Janet Stuart workshop commented how happy and peaceful Phil appeared, grateful for those experiences of the International Society.
The shock and sadness for her Province is enormous, and we unite ourselves to them as we all seek to come to terms with this recent incident in our world. When in France, Phil had the great joy of visiting St. Francis Xavier Church in Paris where Sophie’s body is resting. Let us place her alongside Sophie as we commend her to God’s loving heart.
Yours in his heart,