Lest We Forget
Sister Ursula Maphet, CSJP (1925-2010)
Ursula was born in Jersey City on June 29, 1925 to William Maphet and Helen Callery. It was there at the tender age of 4 years old that Ursula first touched the lives of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace when she was brought to live at St. Joseph’s Home on 81 York Street. Ursula checked her fears and tears at the door and truly did make the “Home” her home. She recalled learning so much more than her school lessons there. She said she learned the love of God through the example and inspiration of the sisters who raised her, and her life certainly was a reflection of God’s goodness and generosity.
Ursula graduated from St. Luke’s High School and entered the Congregation in 1942. I don’t think she ever looked back or regretted the challenges that were placed before her in the many years that filled her ministerial life. Whether she was teaching kindergarten in Our Lady of Peace in Fords, Latin 1 or 2 at St. Luke’s, or serving as Principal in Annunciation School in Paramus she did all with love and gentleness.
In 1959 she took the skills of being a teacher and principal and left for the Philippines to serve as principal of Holy Cross High School on the island of Mindanao. It was there that she met her dearest friend and most apt companion of more than 51 years Sr. Ita Duffy. After 13 years serving in the Philippines, Ursula returned full circle to where it all began for her right back in Jersey City. She became the Editor of St. Joseph’s Messenger where she served for over a quarter of a century.
The measure of Ursula’s life is not found in the details of where she has been or what she has done. Her impact as an educator or as an editor is not what’s important as we gather this morning. What is important is how she did all of those things for so many years. What is important is all of the unspoken services, acts of love and interventions in people’s lives that were just a part of who she was. Ursula was a gentle, understated and compassionate woman. She had incredible energy and strength for most of her life.
When Ursula and Ita left Jersey City for St. Michael’s in 1998 it was sad for many of us. Another chapter closed with a shorter one beginning. Her forbearance and grace in dealing with Parkinson’s taught us all. Her mind and heart remained strong and clear to the end. She was still enjoying those novels Joan Davis would read to her.
And so we are blessed to be invited into this celebration of her life which was lived so faithfully for the last 85 years. Let us join with full heart this Liturgy of Life and Resurrection