Four hundred family and friends packed the Prince of Peace church in Fossa, near Killarney, Co Kerry, for a Mass to mark the first anniversary of the murder of Cork student Nichola Sweeney.
Despite her murder, Nichola's true character could not be taken from them, Father Charles Owen told the congregation, which included many from London where the family had lived formerly.
There were prayers for families who had "lost loved ones through violence either in society or in war".
Father Owen, of the parish of Highgate in London and a family friend, was also the chief celebrant at her funeral Mass in Glenbeigh Co Kerry, her father's native parish.
"We must believe Nichola is perfectly happy with Jesus in Heaven. There is no doubt about that," he said. Easter was the time of Resurrection hope. Nichola was "a beautiful loving, kind girl who enjoyed every day".
That person had not died but was alive in God's presence and could not change.
"That wonderful life cannot be taken away from us. She can be killed, she can be murdered, but that wonderful person cannot be taken from us and one day we will see her again."
Ms Sweeney (20) was murdered in a random attack at her home at Rochestown when Peter Whelan, a 19-year-old man, also from Rochestown, stabbed her and attempted to stab her friend. He is serving a life sentence.