Dramatic talent seems to run in the Murray family. Adrian Dominican Sister Nancy Murray, OP, whose brother Bill Murray has achieved fame as both a comedian and an actor, is getting rave reviews from audiences across the country and throughout the world for her portrayal of Dominican saint Catherine of Siena. And on Sept. 17, she will bring her one-woman show “Catherine of Siena, A Woman For Our Times,” to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to help the College kick off its Four-Star Series. The performance, which will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cecilian Auditorium of the SMWC Conservatory of Music Building, is free and open to the public.

With simple props and an abundance of imagination, Sister Nancy Murray portrays Catherine as the colorful, strong, passionate and enthusiastic personality that she was. Thanks to Murray’s gift of transforming herself into this 14th century saint and patroness of the Dominican Order, numerous churches, schools and organizations have become acquainted with Catherine's fierce devotion to and love for God.

Originally named Caterina Benincasa, Catherine of Siena was the 24th child born into her family in Siena, Italy, in 1347. She later became a lay member of the Dominican Order. Catherine cared for terminally ill patients, ministered to those on death row, and provided spiritual direction to men and women in search of God. Though she lacked formal education, she is known for her many letters sent to men and women of all walks of life. The letters, filled with wisdom and spiritual guidance, were the fruit of her own relationship with God. Catherine is best remembered for “The Dialogue,” which contains the intimate conversations or prayers that she and God shared with each other.

“If you believe how much God loves you, you can change many things,” Murray says in her press kit. “Catherine’s voice is needed more than ever today. The Church is in a time of struggle. The flock has been scattered and people are confused and in doubt. God is purifying us in a way that calls us to new life.”

Born in 1947 and raised in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette, Ill., Sister Nancy Murray is one of nine children born to Edward and Lucille Murray. Aside from actor Bill Murray, her other siblings are Brian Doyle-Murray, Edward, Andy, John, Joel, Peggy and Laura.

As a child, Murray’s heart had been set on pursing a career in nursing, but she quickly changed course when a guidance counselor chastised her math and science grades. As she began to explore other career options, she strongly considered joining the Peace Corps but was afraid that she may get homesick. Instead she decided to make a lifetime commitment to the sisterhood.

In 1966, Murray entered the Dominican Order in Adrian, where she majored in drama. She completed her degree in drama at Barry University. She also earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University in Chicago. She came full circle, having returned for 13 years to teach drama, dance and theology at her former high school, Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, also serving as its campus minister.

Today, Murray travels the world sharing Catherine of Siena’s story with parishes and schools, hospitals and nursing homes. She has taken the play to groups throughout the United States, as well as in Rome, Peru, Ecuador, Trinidad, the Philippines, Taiwan, East Timor and Santa Lucia in the Caribbean. Last summer she was part of World Youth Day in Germany, and this year from August through October she has engagements in Australia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. She can do the play in English or Spanish, and it is now her full-time ministry. She believes Catherine’s voice and message of hope is needed now more than ever.

“An important part of religious life was the call to love God and all of God’s people,” Murray says in her press kit. “As I travel around, I see that people are hungry for a voice of truth, like Catherine’s, something that makes their faith relevant. I feel that she has a voice that says, ‘Don’t give up on the Church. Believe in it, its struggles and pain, and be a part of making a difference.’”

Sister Nancy Murray, OP, will bring her one-woman show “Catherine of Siena, A Woman For Our Times,” to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College on Thursday, Sept. 17. The performance, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cecilian Auditorium of the SMWC Conservatory of Music Building. For more information, contact Jeff Malloy, director of campus life, at 812-535-5219 or jmalloy@smwc.edu.