Tributes paid as nun is finally laid to rest

SISTER Joan Bowles, who championed the cause of the disadvantaged youth in Limerick for over 30 years, walked the extra mile in all her endeavours and was fearless in the challenges she posed for society, Rev. John O'Shea, told mourners at her funeral yesterday.

Hundreds of relatives, friends and dignitaries filled St. Mary’s Church to pay their final farewell to the very popular nun.

Sister Bowles, 59, a native of Oola, Co Limerick, and founder and Director of the Limerick Youth Service, was killed last Thursday when her car was involved in an accident with a train at an unmanned level crossing at Woodfarm, near Dromkeen.

Sr Joan was preparing for the wedding of her Canadian-born niece, Karyn Bowles, and was collecting the wedding cake and flowers at the time of the tragedy.

Karyn, a secondary teacher, read the first reading at the funeral Mass. “Sister Joan had nine nephews and one niece and was like a mother for everyone of us. She was an angel and we will miss her deeply,’’ she said before the funeral Mass.

The Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Cronin; the chairperson of Limerick Co. Council, Cllr. Brigid Teefy; Minister of State, Tim O’Malley, representing the Tánaiste , Mary Harney; Limerick City Manager, Brendan Keating and Judge Tom O’Donnell led the civic dignitaries at the funeral.

Fr.O’Shea, principal celebrant concelebrated Requiem Mass with 46 other priests from the Diocese. In his homily he described Sr Joan as a natural risk taker, but said she based her decisions on astuteness and trust.

Like a magnet, Joan called and people followed. “Through her singular vision for young people she challenged systems that hitherto proved negative and she provided alternative structures, leading to more practical and more positive ways of living.

Her philosophy was an inclusive one, which allowed every persons contribution in the city and county of Limerick, and fare beyond to have a much needed place.

“She identified with the young people she served by living in their midst, available at all times to stand shoulder to shoulder with them especially in their hour of need. Yes, Joan was a mobiliser of people too, to serve these youngsters and their parents’’.

“Sister Joan’s God given and natural talent for leadership was enhanced by her feminine qualities of mind and heart, which drew young people to her, particularly the broken. She gave them from her maturity and freedom, a quality of life that enriched them with dignity, hope and courage. Her patience, her compassion, her positive and straight forward approach, all helped to give life and character to the young people in her care,” he said.

“We are well aware of Joan’s public work, locally, regionally and nationally. Joan’s death has left many people without a good friend and with a deep void in many communities,’’ said Fr.O’Shea to applause from the congregation.