Hundreds remember slain nun

Posted at: 11/06/2009 10:16 PM
By: Kayla Anderson, Eyewitness News 4; Charlie Pabst, KOB.com

Hundreds of people headed to St. Michael's, Arizona, Friday to remember a nun who shaped the lives of many in New Mexico.

Sister Marguerite Bartz was murdered last weekend, but on Friday, people remembered her life, not her death.

Many people in attendance said if there was ever a saint on earth, it was Sister Marguerite Bartz.

They say they already know she's seated in Heaven, so they came to the rosary to pray for those left behind.

Her nieces describe her as an inspiration.

" Her entire life is an inspiration, not only to her family, but here in the community where she worked," niece Danielle Bartz said.

Fr. Gilbert Schneider spent the past three decades working closely with Sister Marguerite.

He talked about her Friday in the present tense, as if she were still by his side.

"It hasn't hit us at all," Fr. Schneider said. "You know, we're just in a trauma, trying to get things in order for the events now and then— after that it's going to be the reality of not having her there."

The sentiment was echoed by dear friends and fellow members of the Catholic Church.

"You think it's not true, it's not true. It can't be. It can't be happening to her," friend Laura Leigh said.

Sister ManDoyle said, "I can hardly talk a thing about her now cause we were great friends. She was so good, so good to everyone."

Many say the sister died a martyr for the church. Their mission now is to continue the work she left unfinished.

"All of us that are left here need the prayers, so that we can continue what she started: working for the missions and for the people who are less fortunate than we are," friend Caroline Klein said.

Friends say they'll remember her bright spirit and her love for helping other people.

"She loved people and she wanted the best for them," Sister Patrick Murray said.

While those who loved her turn to the church for comfort and solace, they know the sister's faith and love for humanity will still be with them.

Friend Gloria Ortega said, "She will forgive and if this is to save the person who did it somehow, then that will be her destiny."

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