In Memoriam

On Saturday, December 19, 1936, with just four shopping days left until Christmas, little Catherine arrived at the Marnien home in the Tacony section of Philadelphia. The home birth completed the family of Edward, his wife Catherine and their children Eddie, Doris and Lorraine. Although she had many nicknames given by various family members, to her mom she was always “the Baby.” However, to many at Mount Nazareth, she was simply “Cathe.”

 

After completing her elementary education at St. Leo’s, Catherine enrolled in St. Hubert’s High School. Following graduation from high school, she entered the workforce and was employed for several years until 1956 when Nazareth beckoned.

 

Beginning her postulancy in 1956, Sister progressed through the phases of initial formation. Upon entering the novitiate in 1957, she was given the religious name of Sister Thaddea, in honor of her patron, Saint Jude Thaddeus. Upon profession of Final Vows, the mystery “of the Holy Face” was added in emulation of the Little Flower, St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. In 1970, Sister Thaddea returned to her baptismal name of Catherine.

 

Reflecting on her religious life, Sister Catherine noted that Jesus gave the imprint of His Holy Face to St. Jude as an instrument of healing. Sister also cited a quote by our Foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, describing a Nazareth Sister. She must be “a Carmelite in prayer, a Trappistine in mortification, a Franciscan in poverty, a Jesuit in obedience, a Carthusian in silence and a Daughter of Charity in the spirit of sacrifice.” Sister Catherine’s life mission and ministry, in her own unique way, was to alleviate suffering and to bring healing to the poor, ill, aged, suffering, orphaned, homeless and imprisoned. Whether teaching at St. Adabert’s or Nazareth Academy, attending college in Scranton, ministering to the children at St. Mary’s Villa, Ambler, or shopping for the sisters in the infirmary at Mount Nazareth, Sister Catherine treated each individual as she would Jesus. 

 

Sister Catherine was well educated, earning bachelor and graduate degrees in Elementary Education from Marywood University in Scranton, PA. She was also an artist and viewed the world as only an artist could. Her creativity enabled her to choreograph plays and performances involving her students and to devise activities to engage children with behavioral issues. 

 

Sister Catherine looked forward to being reunited with her Divine Spouse. Frequently, she would spend the late hours of the night in chapel communing with Him, free from distractions or interruptions. On March 16, she heard His first call to return home. On the evening of March 24, when the Church begins its celebration of the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Jesus called again. Like Mary, she uttered her “Fiat” and then began her new life.

 

Rest in peace, Sister Catherine! Enjoy the Kingdom prepared for you!