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I ask the Lord to keep me living, and my mind clear, as
long as I’m able to function and bring souls into the
message. That’s the only thing worth living for. Oh, it’s
the only thing!
–Mary Walsh, 1984

That Little Black Book
Mary E. Walsh: 1892-1997
Licensed minister 1921 to 1981

In Europe, World War I was threatening. However, in New York City young people
from around the world could find culture, excitement, and career opportunities. Mary
Walsh, from Ireland, returned from nursing duty to her New York City apartment,
slipped out of her uniform, and selected a smart dress for evening wear. Adding jewelry,
she was soon ready for a night at the opera. Petite, trim, in her early twenties, Mary
radiated the inner beauty of intelligence and a strong character.
Studying herself in the mirror, although she looked well groomed, Mary felt uncomfortable. She asked herself, “Would my blessed Lord do what I’m doing?” She decided
that He would not. Consequently, she changed her clothes for an evening at home and
never again attended the opera, the Hippodrome, or her dancing lessons; she just gave
them all up. What occasioned her sudden change in standards for dress and entertainment that night in New York City? A look backward will indicate what had brought her
to this point.
Mary Walsh was born a British subject in the northern part of Ireland in 1892. As a
teenager she traveled to visit her aunt in New York City. Mary liked life in the United
States well enough to remain to study nursing. Although she was far from home, her
roots extended to New York City: she lived with her aunt and uncle, and she worshiped
at the Roman Catholic Church just as she had in Ireland. Since her uncle was a cousin
of Cardinal Farley, on Sunday Mary ordinarily attended the eleven o’clock mass at the
cathedral with the cardinal officiating. (Mary Walsh, Berrien Springs, Michigan, interview
with the writer, July 13, 1984; Mary Walsh, Glendale, California, telephone interview with
the writer, July 20, 1989. All quotations from Mary Walsh in this chapter not otherwise credited are taken from these interviews.)
After finishing her training, Mary found nursing work that paid better than wages she
would have earned in Ireland. She enjoyed living in a place of her own, buying elegant
clothes, and taking advantage of the cultural opportunities in New York City. She
attended the opera for entertainment, the lecture halls for enlightenment, and dancing
lessons for personal development.