Abigail Zinzi
On April 10, the Mount said goodbye to one of its most beloved members in the community. Fr. Martin Moran was recalled to work at his home Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa.
Moran came to Mount St. Mary’s in August of 2019 coming from the Catholic Campus Ministry Association where he served as executive director for six years. Before coming to the Mount, he co-founded the Mother Maria Kaupas Center, along with Bucknell University and the Divine Redeemer Church in Mt. Carmel, Pa.
Any given day students could see Moran greeting students with his warm smile as they checked out their food at Patriot. Moran was a vibrant part of Campus Ministry and was many students’ reason as to why they joined. He helped students grow their faith by leading weekly mass, bible studies and other various opportunities to offer thanks to the Lord.
President Timothy Trainor sent the email to the campus community about Moran’s departure which sent shock through the community. Many students were blindsided and felt great sadness.
Trainor stated, “I am grateful for Fr. Marty’s almost five years of dedicated and compassionate service to our students and community and I know he will be missed. I also know you join me in wishing him the best as he continues his pastoral ministry.”
Many students expressed that they were sad they were not able to say goodbye to their mentor and friend. The Junior Ring Mass was led by Monsignor Andrew R. Baker, Rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. Many juniors, although very grateful for Baker stepping in at such last minute, wished that Moran was there with them in their steppingstone of receiving their class ring.
Moran helped heal the community when it suffered two great losses this year of Keegan Jaravata (C’24) and Shamar Webb (C’27). He led memorial masses with the strength that everyone needed in those times of grief.
We want to thank leader of Campus Ministry, Krysti Patient, and our priests in the Seminary for maintaining a vibrant liturgical life on campus while the University searches for a new chaplain.