Sister Pat Murphy, Immigrant Rights Champion And South Side Icon, Dies At 96

Sister Pat Murphy, a prominent advocate for immigrant rights and a member of the Sisters of Mercy, passed away on Monday at the age of 96 after nearly 50 years of activism in Chicago. Born in Skokie, Murphy became a leading figure in the immigrant sanctuary movement during the 1980s, providing support for refugees fleeing violence in Central America. She co-founded the Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants, advocating for better conditions for immigration detainees and successfully pushing for the Religious Ministry Act, which granted religious workers access to detention centers. Murphy's dedication to activism did not wane with age; she continued to protest and pray at ICE facilities well into her 90s. Her work inspired countless individuals and highlighted the importance of faith in social justice movements.

Murphy's legacy includes the establishment of Su Casa Catholic Worker, a sanctuary for survivors of violence and torture. With her partner Sister JoAnn Persch, Murphy embodied the values of respect and peaceful resistance, making significant strides in immigrant advocacy. Her indomitable spirit and commitment to justice will be remembered by many.