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Sister Nancy, Bill Murray's sister, entertains at conference

 
Sister Nancy Murray, sister of actor Bill Murray, entertained at a Catholic Women's Conference in Tampa on Sept. 26 with her portrayal of Catherine of Siena. Photos courtesy of WBVM-FM 90.5 (Spirit FM).
Sister Nancy Murray, sister of actor Bill Murray, entertained at a Catholic Women's Conference in Tampa on Sept. 26 with her portrayal of Catherine of Siena. Photos courtesy of WBVM-FM 90.5 (Spirit FM).
Published Oct. 1, 2015

Actor Bill Murray, star of films including Caddyshack, Zombieland and Groundhog Day, has a sister who is — wait for it — a nun.

Sister Nancy Murray, an Adrian Dominican Sister, validated her own acting skills last Saturday at the Catholic Women's Conference in Tampa.

Murray, 66, performed in character as Catherine of Siena, a 14th century layperson of the Dominican order known for her acts of fruition.

Catherine, who authored The Dialogue, spent years caring for the sick, the poor and prisoners before her death at age 33.

Murray, who has a theater degree and master's in pastoral studies, has taken her Catherine across five continents since 2003, visiting 15 countries and 36 states.

At the women's conference, Murray began her monologue at Catherine's birth in 1347.

Using an Italian accent, humor and emphatic storytelling skills, Murray captivated an audience of 800 women at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa.

She started at the back of the room and made her way to the front, saying hello to conference guests and donned in 14th century garb.

"We're going to go on a journey," she said. "You won't need to worry about TSA. On this journey, you will need your imagination."

Voicing characters including Catherine's family and religious leaders of the time, Murray evoked chuckles and tears from the crowd.

After closing with the words, "God does not miss a thing. He is only looking for your love," she received a standing ovation.

"She (Murray) is amazing," said Janis Ososkie, a conference committee member. "She speaks Catherine's story of love, compassion and mercy for others."

Nancy Shirina, also a committee member, said she learned more from the performance than she did on a past visit to Siena.

"This is a great way to get to know Catherine's story," said Shirina, who attends St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valrico.

Following her appearance, Murray greeted attendees for photos and conversation.

"This is my full-time ministry," Murray said of playing Catherine. "Audiences love her. As a young girl, I was inspired by her. I've made it simple. To tell the story, it's just me, a candle light, a table and a chair. It works all over the world."

Murray said her famous brother has seen the show several times. As one of nine children, she remains close to her siblings and their children. She recently met Bill at the airport following the premiere of his film St. Vincent in Toronto. She greeted him with a hug and said, "St. Catherine meets St. Vincent."

Acting runs in the family, she said.

The Catholic Women's Conference, sponsored by WBVM-FM 90.5 (Spirit FM), also included speakers Carol Davidson, an author and blogger, and Tampa Bay Times staff writer Arleen Spenceley, author of Chastity is for Lovers: Single, Happy and (Still) a Virgin.

Contact Sarah Whitman at sarahrothwhitman@gmail.com.