Sister Jean Phillip Brady, CSJ

In this season when we harvest the fruits of the seeds laboriously planted in the spring, we celebrate the richness of the labors of the life of Jean Philip Brady (Sister Mary Patricia), a sister of St. Joseph for seventy-six years.

Jean Philip was born in Brooklyn to Mary and Philip Brady and attended Holy Name parish school and St. Joseph’s Juniorate. After high school, Jean entered the congregation and eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from St. John’s University and a Master’s in Sacred Studies from St. Bonaventure University.

After teaching in the elementary grades and in Bishop McDonnell High School, Jean became Principal of Epiphany Parish School in Williamsburg and ministered as a Sister of the Neighborhood of Williamsburg for over forty years. Dedicated to the people, Jean nurtured the faith and spirituality of the all in the parish and was involved in community organizations to be a voice for the rights and dignity of the people. It was here that Jean was first accompanied by a caring and dedicated friend, Sister Miriam Anna who was faithful for over fifty years and to the last day of Jean’s life.

Always attentive to the greatest needs, in 1976 Jean began her thirty-three year ministry to the young women at St. Joseph High School where she would teach Religion and have a profound influence on young lives as a Guidance Counsellor. Present to students, parents, faculty and staff.  Jean’s understanding of the breadth, length, height and depth of God’s love was obvious to all with her welcoming smile, honest advice and ever-willing presence to do whatever needed to be done.

In the struggles over recent years, Jean relied on the love of God she witnessed to others. She could be confident and unafraid because she knew her loving God accompanied her in all the challenges life could hold.

So, today we give thanks for the compassionate, dedicated life of Jean knowing that she now recognizes the fullness of love that accompanied her along the way.

Sister Jean Phillip Brady, CSJ died on October 3, 2018 in the 76th year of her religious life.