IFTTT Autopost 
Unlike many of the missionary heroes we encounter on these Friday blog posts, today’s hero did her mission work in her own “backyard,” the inner-city area of Cleveland, Ohio called Hough. And she began this particular ministry when she was in her late 60’s, showing that it’s never too late to do the Lord’s work.
Marie Gorris was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 19, 1902. After graduating from St. Edward Parish High School, she attended Canton’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in 1925.
Marie then entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine from St. Philomena parish in East Cleveland and took her final vows in 1931. Her name in religious life was Henrietta.
From 1928 to 1962, Sr. Henrietta held a variety nursing administration positions at Mercy Hospital. Then, in 1962, Sr. Henrietta came to Cleveland to be the director of nursing at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. There, she worked until 1965.
Hough is a poor inner-city area of Cleveland. It was there, from July 18 to 23, 1966, that the famous “Hough Riots” took place. It was in this poverty-stricken place that Sr. Henrietta chose to do her mission work.
Determined to help the people of Hough renew their community, Sr. Henrietta moved into the area. She helped people learn to be self-sufficient and helped them to not only care for themselves and their families, but also to help their neighbors in need. Sr. Henrietta was the director of Our Lady of Fatima Mission Center from 1965 to 1983. This agency, and others like it, provided food, clothing, education, employment opportunities, health care, and housing for the area’s residence. The center is still operating today in the Diocese of Cleveland.
For her missionary efforts, Sr. Henrietta received many awards such as the Catholic Interracial Council Award (1976), the National Coalition’s Distinguished Community Service Award (1980), the American Jewish Committee’s Micah Award (1983), and two honorary degrees.
Sr. Henrietta died on October 17, 1983 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland.
Msgr. Robert C. Wolff wrote a book about Sr. Henrietta’s life called Sr. Henrietta of Hough: She Reclaimed a Cleveland Slum. Thanks to the CSA Archives for providing the photo of Sr. Henrietta.
Since you and I are trained Registered Nurses, I love how you find all these missionaries and saints that were dedicated nurses.