Sister Mary Christine Morkovsky, CDP
December 13, 1931 – March 2, 2024
Sister Mary Christine Morkovsky (formerly Sister Theresa Clare), CDP, Ph.D., entered eternal life on March 2, 2024 at the age of 92. She was born on December 13, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, to Henry J. and Mary L. A. (Kucera) Morkovsky. She had three brothers and six sisters and was proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage. Sister Mary Christine made her first profession of vows on June 22, 1951, and her perpetual vows on June 22, 1957.
Sister Mary Christine was a Sister of Divine Providence for 72 years. She ministered as a teacher, graduate student, researcher, historian, Congregational leader, author and spiritual director. She utilized her God-given talents to manifest God’s Providence in all that she did.
In her early ministry Sister Mary Christine taught music theory at Providence High School and private piano and organ at St. Mary’s. She was also an instructor of English, music, algebra, and journalism at the Our Lady of the Lake Aspirancy. This led her to become a formation director and attend graduate school. She obtained her M.A. in Philosophy from St. Louis University in 1961 and began teaching philosophy at Our Lady of the Lake College.
While working on her doctorate, Sister Mary Christine worked at Mission San Jose as an exhibit consultant. She earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of St. Louis in 1966. Sister Mary Christine was conducting her post graduate research in Paris, France when she was asked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife to research information about the Spaniards who established the Missions. Researching in Madrid and Sevilla, Spain, she once again used her gifts where she was called.
After returning from Europe, Sister Mary Christine served as the Philosophy Department Head and taught at Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York for nearly a decade. Her contributions also extended beyond the classroom. She was a respected author, historian, and spiritual director, influencing many with her deep knowledge and understanding. According to WORLD CAT Mary Christine is listed 47 times as author, translator, contributor, or creator of 23 print books, 14 ebooks, 28 articles, book reviews or other media.
From 1999-2005, Sister Mary Christine served on the General Council and was liaison for the Mexico region of the Congregation. She continued to serve the community at the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas, focusing on teaching, writing, and music until 2011. Her lifelong dedication to education, her commitment to her faith, and her unwavering support of the Congregation of Divine Providence left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Sister Mary Christine collaborated on a regular basis with the national organization called the Women of Providence in Collaboration (WPC.) The WPC is comprised of the congregations of women religious who recognize Providence as their charism. She shared her writings and presentations exploring the applied theology of Providence and contributed regularly to their Providence retreats, conferences, publications and events. Internationally she also shared her writings, knowledge and spirit with her sister congregations founded by Blessed Fr. John Martin Moye.
Her focus of manifesting God’s Providence allowed her to move from one kind of ministry to another. She said, “I didn’t enter the convent to do one particular thing. I entered because I wanted to be of service – to follow Christ and manifest God’s Providence.”
She is survived by her sisters Helen (Edward) Cyr; and Agnes (Joe) Raz; brothers Henry, John, and Paul Morkovsky, and all her Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry J. and Mary L. A. (Kucera) Morkovsky; sisters Rose Ann (Sam) Hauger; Ann Frances (Gerald) Adam; Theresa Clare (Bob) Auburn; and Katherine Angela Morkovsky.
The Rosary is Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Resurrection is Monday, March 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 603 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.