Honoring Sister Pat Murphy—a life of mercy, justice, and good trouble

Tomorrow night, I’ll be attending the wake of someone who helped shape not just my politics, but my entire view of what it means to fight for what’s right: Sister Pat Murphy.

I first met Sister Pat—and Sister JoAnn Persch—in 2019, when I was working on Marie Newman’s campaign for Congress. For decades, they were consistent in showing up, protesting cruel and inhumane immigration policies, putting their bodies on the line, and reminding all of us that our faith should lead us to action.

And they never stopped. In 2021, they were profiled on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, where they told the story of decades of protest—of walking into ICE offices, of being arrested for standing with Dreamers, of refusing to stay quiet in the face of injustice.

Sister Pat’s obituary captured her spirit so clearly. One section in particular has stayed with me:

After graduating from high school in 1947, she joined the Sisters of Mercy and became a teacher. She served at several Catholic schools in Chicago and in Wisconsin before volunteering for mission work in Peru. Arriving in Sicuani, Peru as a teacher still struggling with Spanish, let alone the local dialect, Sister Pat spent the next nine years (1960-1969) learning from as well as teaching her Peruvian neighbors. Her experience in Peru taught her the challenges of entering a new culture and the importance of respecting that culture rather than trying to supplant it. That intercultural experience helped shape Sister Pat's later understanding and response to immigrants in the U.S.

That understanding requires humility, respect, and deep listening, and it is what made Sister Pat so extraordinary. She didn’t just serve others; she stood alongside them, built bridges across differences, and fought hard day after day to protect their dignity.

I have been lucky to stay in touch with her and Sister JoAnn through the years. I’m so grateful I got to see them both earlier this year, and that I had the chance to tell her what so many people felt: that she empowered, supported, and uplifted everyone she met. I know she certainly uplifted me.

If Sister Pat taught us anything, it’s that the fight for what’s right is always worth it. That our politics must be rooted in compassion. And that we all have a duty to stand up for our neighbors—especially those seeking refuge, stability, and safety in a new home.

In her memory, I hope you’ll consider supporting a cause close to her heart:

This initiative provides direct support and resources to asylum seekers, and carries on the work that Sister Pat dedicated her life to—building a more inclusive and merciful world, one family at a time.

Let’s honor Sister Pat by continuing her legacy: standing up, speaking out, and always fighting for the people who need us most.