Bishop O’Donaghue preached at the funeral of Mother Maddalena, on August 22, 1905: This venerable Abbess has met with many trials and tribulations; but she placed all her confidence in God, and He assisted her in all her undertakings. By all who know her she is loved for her great charity, simplicity, humility, and the holy life she led. From what I have read and from what we all know, she has led a most holy and edifying life, she died a beautiful death, and now lies here in peaceful sleep. She has left her associates in work, to become their advocate in heaven. She will watch over them day and night, and her heart will be forever with them. She has left nothing undone. After having lived so close to our Lord, He has taken her to Himself. Some of you will ask: What is the meaning of these black vestments? They signify grief. Yet why should we grieve? We should rather rejoice over the death of one who has lived so closely united with God. She will forever live in the hearts and memories of all who know her.