Her children were raised to respect the church and its teachings, and have all become active members (although, as one observed, there are not as many Murphys at church when Kathleen is away.)

One of Kathleen’s most memorable religious experiences came during a 10—day trip she made with Bill to Rome. He was on government business, and she jumped at the opportunity to accompany him. With the children in the capable care of a Mrs. McCabe from Iona at home, they set out

in high spirits. They were accompanied on this trip by Sister Mary Angela. They toured the Sistine Chapel, took in the many other historic attractions of the city and looked forward to visiting the Vatican. Sister Mary Angela, using her eXtensive church contacts, went one better. She was able to arrange for her and Kathleen to attend a mass with some 200 other celebrants at St. Peters Cathedral. The mass was conducted by Pope John Paul II, and would remain as an enduring highlight of Kathleen’s religious life.

One of the manifestations of the long tradition of religious life in her family is a baptismal gown which was made by Bill’s mother in the early 1900s. Bill, along with his brother and two sisters, were baptized in the gown. All of Kathleen and Bill’s children were baptized in the gown as well. When grandchildren began to come along, all of them (except for two, who had outgrown it at the time of baptism) were baptized in the gown. That baptismal gown, now more than 100 years old and which has served three generations, is still in good condition, and will no doubt be pressed into service when great—grandchildren are baptized in the same simple rites.

142 KATHLEEN MURPHY, MAITRIARC