Sister Patricia Murphy (Maria Bernard)
She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1949 and professed her vows in 1952. Sister Pat was born with the heart of a teacher and for the first eighteen years of ministry taught primary school children at Saint Mary School in Canton, NY and Saint Peter School, Dorchester, MA. However, her passion was to serve in the field of Special Education. Earning a Master's degree in that field, Sister Pat served at Saint Mary School, Randolph, Saint Colletta School, Hanover, MA and Saint Colletta Day School, Braintree, MA. Her devotion to those with disabilities drew her to L'Arche, Irenicon in Haverhill, MA, an organization which serves adults with disabilities through homes in which people with and without disabilities share life together. Sister Pat ministered as Spiritual Coordinator there for 29 years. Completing her time at L'Arche, Sister Pat retired to Marillac Residence and later to Elizabeth Seton Residence at Mount Saint Vincent in Wellesley, where she continued to share her gentle and joyful spirit with everyone.