ASHTON, Pa., — Sister Marie Damian Regulska, a Sister of St. Francis Assisi, died of cancer in Assisi House on Aug. 1. She was 58 years old.
Sister Marie Damian was born Mary Josephine Regulska in Baltimore, Md., to Joseph and Mary Regulska. She was a 1959 graduate of The Catholic High School of Baltimore. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Our Lady of Angels College (now Neumann College). She ministered in the field of elementary education in Baltimore, Florida, Delaware and Washington, D.C. and in parish ministry in South Carolina. She taught at Our Lady of Peace Parish School in North Augusta from 1991-98, and then moved to Our Lady of Angels Convent.
Father Sandy McDonald, pastor of Our Lady of Peace, gave the homily at Sister Marie Damian’s funeral Mass.
“We gather to mourn the loss of a sister and friend, but on this day, Damian would also have us gather to celebrate the light that illuminated her way, that shone through her and to which she has gone,” she said.
Father McDonald described the Franciscan sister as a religious woman whose enthusiasm for quietly working behind the scenes brought joy to the parish of Our Lady of Peace.
“We celebrate a quiet and reflective woman who never tired of resting in the wonder of God’s light,” he said.
Sister Marie Damian was also a storyteller, Father McDonald added.
“… She loved talking about her parents, her nieces and nephews, her growing up in her home parish, the lessons she learned from countless experiences in ministry, and all the things her sisters in community were doing,” he said.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 4 followed by burial in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. A memorial Mass will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Our Lady of Peace. Donations in her name can be sent to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.