Sister Marie Verrilli, SNDdeN has dedicated 60 years to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Growing up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, she was born to William and Florence Verrilli. Typical of many Italian families of the day, she lived not only with her parents and brother Bill, but also her mother’s parents, mother’s brother and his daughter.
Sister Marie entered the postulate in 1964, became a novice in 1965 and was given the religious name of Sister Marie St. William, and pronounced her first vows in 1967. Her younger brother, William, also followed a religious path as a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Bridgeport until his death in 2020.
Sister Marie has taught on the high school level and worked in a low-income parish credit union but has spent most of her ministerial life in various administrative roles within the congregation.
Reflecting on her vocation, Sister Marie offers wise advice to those discerning their own path: "Keep an open mind, keep close to God as you work through this process. And don't be afraid to make a mistake. It's a process and a search. And who knows where the search is going to lead you."
Sister Marie's life of service and her openness to God's call exemplify the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, dedicated to faith and community.