The Archbishop of Liverpool said Olivia Pratt-Korbel "continues to live not just in our minds and hearts but in the heart of God."
Hundreds of people attended Olivia's funeral at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in Knotty Ash this morning as mourners wore pink in her memory. The service started with a eulogy read out by Olivia's mum Cheryl Korbel, and ended with a rendition of Amazing Grace.
In his homily, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon said "it is to Olivia's friends that we turn for a glimmer of hope" in the darkness of her death.
READ MORE: Olivia Pratt-Korbel's mum vows to 'never say goodbye' to daughter in eulogy
Archbishop Malcolm said: "The loss of a child is a parent’s worst nightmare – nothing can compare with the sense of desolation and the depths of grief which you experience, and little can be done to alleviate the pain which you as a family must feel, which is shared by neighbours, friends and the school and parish community of St Margaret Mary’s – and indeed all the good people of Liverpool.
"So, I am aware of how empty words can seem on an occasion like this but I do want to express my deepest condolences and sympathy to Olivia’s mother, father, brother and sister. The words I offer you are also words of consolation and hope.
"One thing I’ve noticed in the past is that when a young person dies the light in our darkness comes from children. It is to Olivia’s friends that we turn for a glimmer of hope. Isn’t it heartening to hear from Mrs Wilkinson, Olivia’s headteacher, that the children are not afraid to mention her name.
"They feel sad too, but they want to talk about her, and it is in mentioning her name that she will continue to live in their hearts and memories. We must follow that example. As we continually remember her by name we put back together the broken pieces of our lives – broken by this sudden intrusion into a family living in peace.
"Our new king, King Charles has described his mother’s life as a life well-lived. I think we can say the same about Olivia who was such a gift to her family and all who knew her. We generally think that a long life is a blessing but that is only from our perspective.
"God’s view of the world he created is very different. Olivia like all children is a beautiful work of art loved into being by God, and time is not part of that vision."
Archbishop Malcom went on to say: "Olivia’s beauty was there for all to see in her happiness, her kind nature, and the way she lived – she was loved and lovable. And to me that sounds like a life well lived.
"We may ask ourselves why God has taken his beautiful gift back to himself – we may never know the answer to that question but in our lack of understanding we must give thanks for the joy of having her and knowing her for the years she was with us. And there is a very real sense in which she will continue her life deep in our hearts where she will be a daily presence to her parents and those who loved her.
"God gave his son Jesus so that through his death and resurrection we might have eternal life. That was the ultimate sacrifice that gives us all hope of eternal life. As we comfort one another our minds should turn to hope of resurrection.
"Life for Olivia is changed not ended. That is what we firmly believe. Earthly signs, such as wearing something pink today may remind us of Olivia, but they also give us hope that she continues to live not just in our minds and hearts but in the heart of God.
"There are many questions that we can keep asking and yet remain unanswered, but we must not continue to torment ourselves. Jesus said that he was the Way, the Truth and the Life and in these moments of intense loss where we also feel lost, we can regain our direction by turning to him where we will find comfort and consolation.
"So, in St Paul’s words let us comfort one another with words of faith - faith in each other, faith in God and faith in the belief that Olivia’s untimely death will lead to a community here in Liverpool without violence that it will become a place of peace and justice."
The service was held at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in Knotty Ash at 11am today and will be followed by a private burial and wake.
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