In loving memory of Ena McCann

"At the beginning of the day I did not feel that I had the strength and energy to even attend the funeral as I felt so crushed. Ena was my soulmate. I am so indebted to the prayers and support from our immediate family, extended family and friends in the cluster, who raised me up to more than I could be and enabled me to stay strong for the important part of the day,
At 10 o’clock Maria, Margaret and I watched Fr Jock’s Mass for Ena on the internet from St John’s Portobello. Fr Jock mentioned Ena several times as he knew her well, having served as parish priest at St John Vianney’s previously.
The hearse arrived at 11: 45 led by the Funeral Director leading the hearse on foot as it approached our house. There were a good number of neighbours and friends who were prevented from attending the funeral, standing at the side of the road, paying their last respects to Ena. My daughters and I followed the hearse which was led out of our street once again by the Funeral Director. It was heartening to see so many neighbours and good friends from the cluster had turned up to pay their last respects,
The hearse was led into the Craigmillar Castle Cemetery once again by the Funeral Director and I noticed some of our fellow parishioners who couldn’t be in the small number of mourners but were paying their respects at a distance. The cemetery staff then carried the coffin to the graveside and lowered the coffin into the grave as the mourners were kept back and not allowed to hold a cord. Fr Alex presided over a very prayerful funeral service which was longer than had previously been allowed.
 After the prayers a profoundly moving piece of music was played and sung.
It was the ‘Benedictus’ from Karl Jenkins’s   ‘Mass for Peace’
This was followed by my granddaughter praying the words of the hymn
‘Be still my Soul’ which was so appropriate.  

Be still my soul , the Lord is at your side
Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain.
leave to your God to order and provide.
In every change he faithful will remain
Be still my soul, your best, your heavenly friend,
through stormy ways, leads to a joyful  end

Be still my soul the hour is hastening on
When we shall be for ever with the Lord
When disappointment grief and fear are gone
Sorrow forgotten, love’s pure joy restored
Be still my soul , when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed , we shall meet at last

The family were very grateful to Fr Alec for giving such a beautiful service. It was so quiet and peaceful and you could hear the birds singing away unburdened by any feeling of loss. I also want to pay tribute to the friends in our cluster parishes who showed great solidarity by lighting a candle in their homes at 12 o’clock on the day of the funeral in remembrance of Ena.
I feel blessed in that although I am still feeling bereft, I am consoled in the strong belief that Ena is in Heaven.
Vincent McCann