Sister Maria Elizabeth Brehony, baptized Maria Elizabeth, was born in County Sligo, Ireland, on April 16, 1935, the daughter of John Brehony and Catherine Anne McDonagh Brehony. Religion was always part of the rhythm of her home. She attended elementary and secondary school staffed by Sisters of Mercy to supplement her primary education and training at home. She was also involved in apostolic work with the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary.
One of four Brehony sisters to embrace the religious life, Sister Maria Elizabeth entered the Incarnate Word Congregation, traveling by ship to the United States on July 18, 1951. She made her first profession of vows on April 18, 1953, and her perpetual vows on June 4, 1956.
Sister Maria Elizabeth attributes her vocation, first and foremost, to the grace of God and then to her family. Her mother often spoke of religious vocation in conversations with her children. Her aunts were Incarnate Word Sisters, and her siblings, Sisters Catherine and Rita, were also instrumental in Sister Maria Elizabeth’s decision to seek admission to the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament Congregation. Her younger sister, Sister Colette, followed her one-year later to Corpus Christi.
Sister Maria Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, a master’s degree in Latin American History from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, and a second master’s degree from Corpus Christi State University in counseling. She is certified in Administration and studied theology courses at St. Mary’s and Incarnate Word Universities in San Antonio.
For several years, Sister Maria Elizabeth taught in parochial and private schools. Her ministry included work at Incarnate Word Academy, Sacred Heart, Christ the King, and St. Theresa Schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. In Brownsville, schools in which Sister taught were Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Incarnate Word Academy and Villa Maria High School. She also served in Port Isabel, Goliad and Sinton. She served as principal for twenty-three years in various schools.
From 1994 to 1997, Sister Maria Elizabeth conducted religious education classes and shared administrative duties at Xavier High School in Kenya, East Africa. Referring to the people of Kenya, Sister commented, “The country and people are so beautiful, yet they are surrounded by poverty; they live so simply. They are always willing to wait – for transportation, food, or medical help. They are such giving people, always ready to share their talents, time and resources, no matter what little they possess.”
For four years, Sister’s ministry led her to Sacred Heart School in Rockport. When she came to Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi, she first served as an assistant librarian. And presently, she assists with religious instruction at the Incarnate Word Academy Atrium, directing elementary and Montessori students in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which brings a rich and deep involvement in the Christian life for children.
Other ministerial experiences in which Sister Maria Elizabeth was engaged include the Pax Christi Peace Movement, home visiting and jail ministry, mediation at the Dispute Resolution Center, and participation in the Diocesan Synod.
In the Incarnate Word Congregation, Sister Maria Elizabeth is a member of the Initial Formation Team and Co-Liaison for the Incarnate Word Associates. She has been local councilor and Sister-in-charge in houses of the congregation, a member of commissions and committees, and a delegate during general chapters.
Sister Maria Elizabeth is always hard at work helping in the new convent and offering wise advice and counseling to anyone who calls upon her.
Each phase of ministry has offered its challenges and has left an indelible mark on Sister Maria Elizabeth. She states, “I have been enriched and blessed abundantly during my years in religious life. I feel that I have always received much more than I have given.”
Bishop Michael Mulvey will celebrate Mass for the 2022-2023 World Day for Consecrated Life at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 5 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. During the Mass those in consecrated life will renew their commitment and jubilarians celebrating anniversaries ranging in length from 25-75 years will be acknowledged with gratitude.
Jubilarians from the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament (IWBS) who will be celebrating with Sister Maria Elizabeth Brehony (70 years) are Sister Christina Bradley (75 years) and Sister Michelle Marie Kuntscher (60 years).
Sisters celebrating 50 years will be Sister Aueda Durazo Barcelo, from the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary (MDMPVM) and Sister Elizabeth Pathiparamil, from the Sisters of the Adoration and Blessed Sacrament (SABS).
Celebrating 25 years will be Sisters from the Pax Christi Institute (PCI) are Sister Mercedez Martinez Orozco, Sister Cleotilde Resendiz Loredo, and Sister Gloria Salinas Gonzalez; Sisters from SABS are Sister Tereasa Jose Panattuparamban and Sister JoeMary Kallarackal; and Sister Mary of our Divine Savior from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity.