Written on: May 6, 2020
Your journey is unfolding exactly as it should be. These words on a plaque in Sister Martha’s apartment, are expressive of her view of life. She recalls the lessons learned early in life from her mother about accepting whatever comes in your life. This was, for her, an introduction to her belief in Divine Providence, a devotion of the Grey Nuns, and her acceptance that life is a mystery unfolding according to God’s Providence. Her journey began in Buffalo, New York, where she attended St. Aloysius School and Holy Angels Academy, staffed by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. She earned a master’s degree from Villanova University. As a young sister, she taught in schools in the New York and Philadelphia areas until, in 1966, she was assigned to Grey Nun Academy in Yardley, PA, where she served for 49 years. She taught first and second grade and for 25 years, pre-school. Eventually, she taught the children of parents who had been her students many years before. Her later years at Grey Nun were as Assistant Principal. Because of her longevity and the impact that she had on the academy, the newest addition to the school was named in her honor, The Moyle Gallery. Martha resides at Holy Redeemer Lafayette in Philadelphia and spends her days helping others in various ways such as driving and visiting. According to Martha, “you don’t have to go far out of your apartment to find someone to help.”
Every day I marvel at Divine Providence. My 60th Jubilee is truly a celebration of my heart. A heart full of gratitude for 60 years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart and a daughter of St. Marguerite. As I prepare to celebrate my Jubilee, I find myself positioned in a trinity of time: past, present and future. The present helps us to recall the past so that by my remembrance, I might more fittingly prepare for the future. My life is a rich tapestry that Divine Providence has skillfully created from my life’s experiences, in bits of varying shades of colors and hues. It is a beautiful tapestry to feel and see but at times impossible to hold. My heart is filled with love to all of you who have become a strong thread in the weaving of the fabric of my life. My life is indeed richer because you have been a part of it. May St. Marguerite’s spirit continue to grow in and through us as we move confidently, with trust in Divine Providence, to an unknown future!
Hello Sister! You were my 4th grade teacher at Grey Nun Academy, and you were excellent! I saw you at St Mary Hospital in 1997when I went to pick something up for my mother there! Stay well sister!!!
Dear Sister Martha, You May remember my red-headed son Nathanael. He will be 52 this year. We surely fondly remember you. Nat went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts. While there he was a rower and his light weight eight crew won the Dad-Vale in Philadelphia. He served in the Air Force, became a pilot and us now a Captain for FedEx flying out of Cologne, Germany. His wife Angel is Chinese.
Congratulations, Martha!
Not sure if you remember who I am but another friend from St. Aloysius…..I pray that you are keeping well and safe in the midst of this horrific virus.
Blessings and peace!
Terry Odien
Sr. Martha, you have touched so many lives in so many ways. Our family has been touched by your love and generosity. We will never forget you. Thank you for just being you. You are truly a beautiful person. Enjoy your 60th Jubilee.
Congratulations to you as you celebrate your 60th Jubilee Sister Martha! You have touched so many lives with your kindness and we wish for you nothing but the best!
Congratulations on 60 years of loving service! You were both of my children’s introduction to their life at Grey Nun Academy and I will never forget your kindness, affection and care for them both. Everyone should have a “Sister Marfa” in their lives! Thank you for making such a beautiful contribution to all of our lives!
Wow! Congratulations!!! I had you in 2nd grade, which was 1966, so, must have been your first year at GNAcademy! My brother, Clark O’Neill, came along five years later. Blessings to you on your 60th Jubilee! Thanks for your kind presence and wonderful, loving teaching all those years. (And, of course, beautiful “Palmer Method” handwriting!) Be well. Much Gratitude!
So good to read your congratulatory to Sr. Martha. Over the years I’ve wondered about all the families and friends who helped GNA grow and flourish. Your family were from the very early years so it is a special moment to hear from you again. Peace and abundant blessings.
Martha, the day we met was one of my luckiest days and I will always hold you in my thoughts and prayers. You brought humor into my life and each time I saw you, a smile came into my face. Thanks for your service to God’s people and for the time were shared as Grey Nuns. Lots of love comes your way.’
Lovingly,
Rosalie
Wow Sr Martha what a beautiful accomplishment -you have had such an impact on all of your students. They carry so many things they learned from you. We are very grateful for your friendship love Pat Lou and James
Congratulations on your 60th Jubilee! Thank you for being my first teacher and a model of love and compassion! Wishing you all the best!
Thanks Sr. Martha! Second and Forth grade teacher, (they left 4th grade out of the article). Congratulations, and thanks for teaching us to love.
Sr. Martha
Congratulations on your sixty jubilee. Many Blessings as you celebrate your special.
The Potsdam Associates
Mary, Rose and Joe
What beautiful sentiments
Congratulations on 60 years of service as a GNSH