‘Rebel Nun With A Cause’ Sr. Pat Murphy Marks 95th Birthday

CHICAGO — Mercy Sister Pat Murphy who marks a milestone this month, doesn’t want anything for her 95th birthday. The nonagenarian sister shows no signs of retiring, having been busy the past few years helping Venezuelan migrant families find their way in an unfamiliar city and a path to a better life in the United States.

Wanting to spare the expense of an elaborate party, Sr. Pat held court Saturday afternoon at an open house held in her honor in the home of Maureen Gainer Reilly, a 1993 McAuley alumna.

Sr. Pat’s actual birthday is April 20, but instead of gifts, she’s asking for donations to Catherine’s Caring Cause, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization she co-founded to provide unwavering support, resources, and empowerment to asylum seekers as they navigate the challenging journey toward a better life. The organization, led by Sr. Pat and her colleague, Sr. JoAnn Persch — who will turn 90 in June — currently cares for 11 families, consisting of 24 adults and 13 children.

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Catherine’s Caring Cause is currently paying the rent for one year on nine apartments housing the migrant families, and is about to take in a tenth. Volunteer mentors assist the asylum seekers in obtaining work permits, help with getting the kids in school, celebrating holidays, helping with medical and legal assistance, and everything in between.

The Mother McAuley High School a capella choir serenaded Sr. Pat with the song “Suscipe,” composed by Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Mercy Sisters order in Chicago and for whom the school is named, followed by the singing of “Happy Birthday” in Polish and English, and two birthday cakes.

McAuley Acapella Choir sings "Suscipe" to Sr. Pat Murphy

A coalition of parishes from Southside Parish Renewal (SPUR) — St. Barnabas, St. Cajetan, Christ the King and St. John Fisher — presented a check for $1,500 to Catherine’s Caring Cause in honor of Sr. Pat’s 95th birthday.

“Thank you to everybody who came to celebrate 95 years because you’ve all been part of them,” Sr. Pat said. “They couldn’t say it personally, but our migrant brothers and sisters and the children thank you too. They will especially benefit from your presence today. I know most of you came maybe for this old goat. I don’t know what else to say but gracias.”

To make a donation in honor of Sr. Pat Murphy’s 95th birthday, visit Catherine’s Caring Cause.