Sr. Mary Michael Morley, CCVI

In 1920, Sr. Michael was born to Dominick Morley and Margaret Pendergast Morley, in Bekan, Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland. At Baptism, she received the name Annie Josephine. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, TX, on July 18, 1937 at St. Michael Convent, County Clare, Ireland. Sister consecrated her life to God by First Profession of Vows on December 8, 1941 at Villa de Matel, Houston, TX.

Following profession of vows, Sr. Michael cared for children at St. Mary’s Home in Lafayette, LA. An accomplished musician, she played the organ for the Sacred Liturgy at St. Mary’s Home and generously shared her musical gift during her many years of ministry. Later, she was accepted into the School of Nursing at T.E. Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport, LA. In 1946, Sr. Michael returned to Villa de Matel to continue her formation studies in preparation for Perpetual Profession of Vows on December 8, 1946. Following final profession, Sister continued her studies at T.E. Schumpert and graduated as a registered nurse in 1949. Following graduation, Sister Michael served as a surgical supervisor at St. Michael Hospital, Texarkana, Ark; St. Mary’s Infirmary, Galveston, TX, and St. Joseph Hospital, Houston. In 1973, Sr. Michael completed her studies in Clinical Pastoral Education at M.D. Anderson Hospital, Houston. Following graduation, Sister served at St. Joseph Hospital, Houston; St. Bernadine Hospital, San Bernardino, CA; St. Mary Hospital, Port Arthur, TX; and St. Anne Convent, Houston. Sr. Michael’s love for others was expressed through her warm hospitality, joy and concern. She lived her life according to the “motto” taken from the prophet, Micah: 6:8 “This is what the Lord asks of you, only this: to do right and to love goodness and walk humbly with your God.” Sr. Michael is survived by a sister, Mrs. Nell Byrne of Ireland; nephews:Michael Morley and wife, Renee of DE; Brian Morley of PA; Michael and Helena Byrne of Ireland; and a number of grandnieces and grandnephews.

Sister’s body will be received at the , Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale St. Houston, TX, at 5:00 P.M. on Friday January 31, 2014 followed by Evening Praise and a celebration of her life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa de Matel at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st. Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.