'Rebel' Nun Sr. Pat Murphy, Beloved Sister Of Mercy, Immigrant Advocate, Dies At 96

CHICAGO — A tireless advocate for immigrants and social justice, Sister Patricia M. Murphy, a beloved Mercy Sister, died July 21. She leaves a legacy of compassion. Sr. Pat was 96.

Mercy Sister Pat Murphy, and her lifelong companion, Sr. JoAnn Persch, 91, worked together in helping immigrants seeking asylum in the United States land on their feet by arranging housing and gather the necessary papers so they could get jobs and put them on the path to U.S. citizenship. A priest friend nicknamed the two “Rabble” and “Rouser.”

A Sister of Mercy for 77 years, Sr. Pat, along with Sr. JoAnn, pursued justice and opportunity for immigrants and other marginalized persons.

“Those who were homeless, victims of torture, lonely or abandoned senior citizens, young adults wondering about social justice, asylum seekers being held in detention, families torn apart by deportations – all these commanded Pat’s and JoAnn’s attention, wounded their hearts, and roused them to action,” her obituary said. “Skilled networkers, this formidable and innovative team, together with others, founded and launched a number of organizations or facilities designed to serve those in need. To name a few — Su Casa, Casa Notre Dame, the David Darst Center, Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants, and most recently Catherine’s Caring Cause.”

Sr. Pat’s life was marked by protests and prayers, being arrested, teaching, leading a successful effort to close all private and for-profit jails in Illinois, and convincing ICE authorities and state legislators that immigrants in detention had a right to religious visitation or services. Through it all, she listened, argued and refused to give up.

"Pat was the kindest person I have ever known," said Peggy Goddard, board vice president for Catherine’s Caring Cause, in a special newsletter. “Whenever I was with her, I knew I was in the presence of a saint. I will miss her”

Born in Chicago in 1929, Sr. Pat joined the Mercy Sisters upon graduating from high school in 1947. She became a teacher and worked in Catholic schools in Chicago and Wisconsin. She spent nine years as a missionary in Peru, before returning to the United States.

Sr. Pat and Sr. JoAnn began visiting federal immigrant detention centers in Illinois and Wisconsin during the 1980s, delivering hugs from the loved ones outside to the detainees inside.

In 1990, Sr. Pat and Sr. JoAnn joined the Su Casa Catholic Worker House in Back of the Yards, to assist arriving Salvadoran and Guatemalan refugees who made the dangerous trek across Mexico, where they clandestinely crossed the U.S. southern border.

As Mercy Sisters, women take a vow of service to the poor, sick and uneducated, which gave Sr. Pat, and Sr. JoAnn, a lot of leeway. Even well into her nineties, Sr. Pat continue to work and fight for people on the margins. She spent her final years of life working with her lifetime companion, caring for 11 families, consisting of 24 adults and 13 children.

“To be with her was to feel completely seen, loved, and cherished,” said Maureen Gainer Reilly, board member and long-time friend of Sr. Pat. “Her ability to connect with anyone and everyone was a gift to behold. She was in this world, but not of this world. We will miss her so much, but we know Pat’s spirit will never leave us.”

Visitation for Sr. Patricia M. Murphy will take place from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Mercy Hall, 10044 S. Central Park Ave., Chicago. Wake services will take place at 3:30 and 7 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 31, also at Mercy Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas or to Catherine’s Caring Cause.