Funeral services of sister Martyna Rodko

On March 18, 2023, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, held a prayer and funeral for the repose of Sister Martyna Rodko. Sister Martin Michael Paulina Rodko was a missionary sister of the Intercession of the Virgin for 61 years.

During the sermon Metropolitan Borys Gudziak paid attention that now is the time when death is so much before us. Especially before Ukrainian people. As an example of faith, he mentioned about father Mykhailo Dymyd who was preaching for the Lent mission at the archeparchy. Father lost his son in the war in June, his other son is now at the front. So many deaths every day are young people. Beautiful people, people in just the beginning of mature life. The Metropolitan noted that it is a triumph for generosity. It is a triumph for faith. It is a triumph for trust. It is a triumph for the Lord.

Sister studied at Fordham University in preparation for her future teaching career. In 1965, her first assignment was to Assumption Catholic School at Perth Amboy, NJ, where she lovingly taught the primary grades for the next 25 years. In 1991, she returned to the convent at Stamford, CT. where she worked in the library, assisted at the Nursery school, and helped in the kitchen. Her specialty was baked goods, and she will be ever remembered for her delicious cakes and fluffy horn rolls. In 2012, Sister Martin moved to our Mother House in Philadelphia. Here she continued serving the community by caring for an aged sister, performing domestic tasks, volunteering at the Cathedral pierogi project, and teaching catechism classes at St. Michael’s in Cherry, NJ.  Due to illness in 2018, she became a resident at Immaculate Mary Rehabilitation Center, where Sister found new ways to exercise her ministry. 

“We live at a time when people have more difficulty dealing with death. It is the one sure thing that we know death will come. We have come together to pray for eternal repose for sister Martin in God who gave her life to live. We pray for the permission of her sins and for her eternal life. We celebrate this funeral for you dear sister Martin. There is no more radical step than a woman becoming a nun. The sister made a choice for the Lord. We thank you dear sister Martin for your vocation and for your service. We thank you for your prayer and generosity of heart. For me, the funeral of a religious person is a sign of gratitude. Jesus invited you sister and you responded. Thank you for this witness.” - ​​Metropolitan Borys Gudziak during the farewell speech.

Interment took place at Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery in Langhorne.