Rebecca Zammit Lupi will be remembered for her resilience, stamina, and lovely smile, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna said on Wednesday morning.
Giving the homily in her funeral, Scicluna quoted the second letter from St. Paul to Timothy (4:7) to describe the resilient character which Rebecca, who was affectionately known as ‘Becs’ by her friends and family, possessed.
The daughter of well-known photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi, Rebecca lost her battle with a rare form of bone cancer on Sunday. She was 15-years-old.
The celebration of Rebecca’s life, held at the St. Julian’s parish church, started with a small speech from Fr. Brendan Gatt who showed an image of Rebecca practicing her dance routine in a hospital corridor.
A simple image of Rebecca overcoming her physical pains has become an image of hope, a constant reminder of the courage she gave to all those around her, he said. “Life and love will have the final word and not death”, Fr. Gatt added.
Fr. Gatt went on to explain that the funeral held today is a celebration of Rebecca’s life and what she stood for. “Although her physical pains were many, her spirit roamed free in the hearts of those she touched”, Gatt said. He went on to explain how only remembering Rebecca would mean staying in the past; she will forever be present in the way she lived her life.
The funeral was attended by family members and friends, including Rebecca’s teachers and fellow classmates who participated in the mass readings.
During his homily, Archbishop Scicluna spoke words from the prophet Isaiah who wrote about the relationship a loving father has with his child. The consolation that Rebecca no longer has to endure the physical pains she was burdened with is a relief within itself, Scicluna said.
The meaning of the name Rebecca is captivating beauty, Scicluna explained. “And this is what so many people saw in her at this moment of great sorrow; a person who had a captivating inner beauty. She was true to her name.”
The courage, resilience, stamina and beaming smile which Rebecca showed throughout her life will forever be the redeeming qualities which she will be remembered for.
“The Lord is embracing Becs in a state of eternal youth, not because of the longing of it but because in heaven and eternal rest, every wish, every longing we have is finally satisfied. It is a youth which knows no death, no pain and no suffering”, Scicluna said.
He went on to explain that although we tried hard to prevent her death, her death should be embraced because she is no longer suffering as we knew her but exercising her talents freely in eternal rest.
The funeral ceremony can be viewed here