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The Morrison family of Gaithersburg, Maryland, will soon count three sons in the priesthood and one daughter in religious life — an extraordinary witness of faith unfolding this summer with an ordination and first vows.
Deacon Daniel Morrison is set to be ordained June 21, joining his two older brothers as priests of the Archdiocese of Washington, the Catholic Standard reported. His sister, Sister Mary Sophia, will profess her first vows as a Dominican sister this August.
The Morrison brothers — James, Nicholas, and now Daniel — grew up attending St. John Neumann Parish. Their parents, Eric and Grace Morrison, homeschooled all seven children and led them in nightly rosaries. Daniel recalled his family’s special devotion to Mary, noting how many pivotal moments — including several ordinations and his sister’s wedding — fell on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
“It’s a testament to [Mary’s] motherly care,” he told the Catholic Standard.
After celebrating his ordination at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Father Daniel will offer his first Mass at his home parish June 22.
This joyful milestone adds another chapter to a family already steeped in Church life. Sister Mary Sophia Morrison will make her first vows with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville this August. Another sister, Anna Marie Bullis, is married with two children. Their brother Thomas is a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and the youngest, Isabelle, is 12.
Joining Deacon Daniel for his first Mass June 22 are his brothers Father James, ordained in 2020 and now administrator at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Parish in Washington, and Father Nicholas, ordained in 2021 and currently serving as parochial vicar at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill.
Their fraternal support has shaped each of their vocations, according to the brothers.
“We’re very proud to see him making this step,” Fr. James said. “Just to have his gifts serving the Church alongside me as a brother is a great source of encouragement.”
Fr. Nicholas, who said his brother’s example is inspiring, also offered a reflection on what has led to his family’s many callings.
“First off, [it’s] the grace of the Lord, the movement of the Lord,” he said. “Second, the example of our parents, friends and priests, teaching us how important it is to live radically generous lives, to live our lives for the Lord, for the salvation of souls.”
