On January 3, at the Redemptorist Vocational School in
Pattaya, Father Banchong Chaiyara, director of the Pramahathai Center in
Pattaya held a memorial service for the 1-year passing away of Father
Patrick Raymond Morrissy, who devoted his life to orphans, the blind,
handicapped, elderly and underprivileged children. Affectionately called
Father ‘Daeng’, the beloved priest succumbed to a heart attack on
January 2, 2004.
In
memory of Fr. ‘Daeng’
At 7:30 a.m. students and teachers held a Mass at Saint
Nicolas Pattaya Church, and put out flowers in memory of their beloved
Father ‘Daeng’ at his grave in a sad and but lovely ceremony.
Patrick Raymond Morrissy followed his parents from
Ireland to establish himself in Detroit, Michigan. He was the youngest of 8
siblings. One of his brothers also was a Redemptorist priest. In his
childhood Father ‘Daeng’ was a Redemptorist member which led him to
study for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1955.
Father
Banchong presided over the Morrissy Hall opening ceremony.
Father Patrick Raymond Morrissy came to Thailand in 1957
when he was 25 years old. He was assigned to study the Thai language under
the tutorship of Brother Ludovico at The Brothers of St. Gabriel Church, and
started to work in Nong Khai under the supervision of Father Bob Martin. His
duties were many and his energy and devotion was tireless. In the morning he
said Mass at 6, after which he taught religion to local students, provided
medical treatment and even helped to build houses and canals in the area.
The Redemptorist priests were assigned different duties
and changed work locations every 3 years, which allowed Father ‘Daeng’
to work in many areas of Thailand including Loei, Bangkok, Sakon Nakhon, and
Udon Thani.
Father
Banchong Chaiyara, director of the Redemptorist Center in Pattaya held a
memorial service for the 1-year anniversary of Father Patrick Raymond
Morrissy’s passing.
Father ‘Daeng’s real nickname was Pat, but his
parishioners called him ‘Daeng’ because his face was always red. He
loved his new name because he knew it bore affection. He used to joke with
the kids, saying that the power of his Irish eyes could stop all disobedient
children, but in reality he was nice and friendly with the children, either
playing games or giving out sweets or toys, and the youngsters were devoted
to him.
Students
put flowers on his grave.
Two years later he was assigned to help leprosy patients
in the east at Ban Noi in Khon Kaen. Father ‘Daeng’ loved his work and
gave his all to help them. A care shelter and a professional training school
were established for child leprosy patients.
Many
students participated in the memorial ceremony.
Father ‘Daeng’ was assigned to be the Guest Master
Director of Redemptorist Center in Pattaya in 1987, and was also in charge
of St. Nikolaus Church for 9 years. Being in Pattaya, Father ‘Daeng’
worked with Father Ray Brennan, his close friend.
Father ‘Daeng’ took over the work that Father Ray was
doing for the Social Welfare Project. He became the Redemptorist School
director in 1996 and continued until his death. The newsletter, “The
Visit” was his responsibility for over 10 years. This monthly newsletter
disseminated Redemptorist information and let readers follow all organized
activities. It was publicized worldwide by email, providing a news search,
and a newsletter.
Father Patrick Raymond Morrissy was not only a remarkable priest, but an
extraordinary man; an individual who reached out and touched people’s
lives with not only kindness but practical ideas and achievements that live
on today. He is sadly missed by all who knew him.
Children
learn and play in the kindergarten classroom.
Mai
Chaiyanit, Nongprue sub-district administration organization chairman hands
out prizes to the kids.
