Rev. Msgr. David J. Morrison, MA,JCD
Deceased: 2023-05-28
Diocese: ALLENTOWN
CSM Graduation Year: 1965
Reverend Monsignor David C. Joseph Morrison was born into eternal life on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023. Monsignor Morrison was born to the late Chandler and Mary (Pounder) Morrison in Narberth, PA on March 20, 1929. At 94 years of age, he was the oldest living Diocesan priest in the Allentown Diocese. He was educated in parochial schools; graduated from Saint Thomas More High School, Philadelphia; Charles Seminary (B.A.); He attended Villanova University where he obtained his Master of Arts Degree in Latin; and the Lateran University, Rome Italy (J.C.D.). He was ordained to the priesthood on May 8, 1954 by the Most Reverend John F. O’Hara, Archbishop of Philadelphia at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. He was named a Monsignor in 1971.
During the course of his priestly ministry for the Diocese of Allentown Monsignor Morrison served as: Professor, Allentown Central Catholic H.S.; Professor, Reading Holy Name H.S.; Chaplain, Bernadine Sisters, Reading; Pastor, St. Columbkill, Boyertown; St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown; St Stephen of Hungary, Allentown; Vice Officialis, Officialis, Judge Emeritus of the Diocesan Tribunal Allentown; Defender of the Bond, Diocesan Tribunal; and Canonical Consultor to Bishop McShea, Bishop Welsh and Bishop Cullen. He was a member of the Canon Law Society of America and the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland. He was the first priest-student of the newly formed Diocese of Allentown to study in Rome. He was a member of the Central Commission of the First Synod of the Diocese.
His great delight was to write for his weekly parish bulletin inserts “Living the Spirt.” Monsignor Morrison resided at various churches of the Diocese and was a resident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem for over 25 years. He most recently resided at Holy Family Villa where he passed away surrounded by his brother priests.
Monsignor Morrison is survived by nieces Mildrid Delmoro, Suzanne Gallagher, and Mary Ann Gerasim.
Services: Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home. The reception of the body will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Bethlehem. Calling hours will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, and 9:00-10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown will be the celebrant for the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. Concelebrating the funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor Edward Sacks. Interment will be at Holy Savior Cemetery in Bethlehem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Villa, 1325 Prospect Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.
