Teresa Worden

Six years ago, when I was bringing some of my belongings.

I met Teresa Worden for the first time at the Presbytery door

She greeted me with grace, kindness and courtesy;

it wasn't just a courtesy for that occasion;

she continued to do so every time we met during the next six years.

Through and through she was a beautiful, dignified, humble, generous person.

Her warmth radiated through all she did and said.

We were privileged to know her.

She could never say anything harsh or hurtful.

She was always charitable.

This made a deep impression on me.

I would recall that I used to be like that in College;

with over 200 students together for 6 years,

What happened? -

I met awkward parishioners and clergy!

Teresa, because of your example, I must try again.

Every time I met Teresa she shared an encouraging word -

usually about a parish event or the celebration of Mass,

particularly when children and families were involved.

It was clear that, even 20 years after her retirement,

she had been a wonderful teacher;

her pupils still revere her and treasure their hours with her.

One told me that he travelled an extra 32 miles a day so that he could be taught by her. He added. 'It was the best possible start I could have had in life.'

Countless pupils have similar wonderful memories.

Teresa continued to use her education gifts

as a committed and dedicated governor,

often going to county meetings (not always interesting)

and reporting back in detail.

When volunteers were needed to serve at any function,

Teresa was always there in the midst of it all.

Standing in the Parish Centre kitchen, she would say, 'I love to come,'

(So, I didn't know her at the time, but I did meet her a Diocesan meetings)

Recently, as her illness developed,

she would lean against the wall for support, because she 'loved to come.'

When Jesus spoke the Beatitudes he looked at people like Teresa and declared,

Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the gentle, they shall inherit the earth,

Blessed are the peacemakers they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.'

(Teresa, herself bereaved, was a great support to the bereaved.)

Teresa clearly showed that she had received in abundance, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit -

Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder and Awe.

She grew from these gifts the fruits of the Spirit -

Love, Peace, Joy, Peace, Patience,

Kindness, Goodness, Trustfulness,

Gentleness, Self-control.

Last Sunday's Psalm described Teresa.

'Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain?

He who walks without fault;

acts with justice,

speaks the truth from the heart,

does no wrong to his brother,

casts no slur on his neighbour,

keeps his pledge come what may.'

Teresa celebrated the Mass so reverently and devotedly.

But much more, she went out in peace to 'Love and serve the Lord.'

If you wanted to send someone into the world as an Ambassador for Christ,

she would have been the first on the list.

I once introduced Teresa to visitors as 'St Teresa of Fulwood' -

Teresa threw her eyes to the heavens!

St Teresa of Lisieux said,

'I will spend my time in heaven,

doing good on earth'.

Teresa of Fulwood spent her time on earth

doing good on earth.

People in other parishes have asked me if there was anyone else like her.

No! No!

Teresa was unique.