Monica Morley is the Director of the Family Centre at Knock Shrine and an experienced pastoral worker and broadcaster known for her compassionate, grounded approach to supporting those who are grieving. She studied theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and psychology with the Open University, graduating with first-class honours, and later specialised in bereavement care through the International Series in the Sacred Art of Living and Dying with Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.
The combination of theology, psychology, and pastoral care shaped Monica’s life’s work. For many years, she has devoted herself to caring for those experiencing loss in its many forms, offering understanding, guidance, and a compassionate space for healing.
At Knock Shrine, Monica supports individuals through one-to-one bereavement sessions and has designed programmes to meet the needs of the grieving. These include weekly support meetings for the recently bereaved, guided responses for those facing particular losses such as the death of a spouse, partner, or child, and the coordination of liturgies that address the spiritual questions that accompany grief. She also provides training for those preparing to serve in parish bereavement ministry. Her recent programme, Understanding Grief and Loss – A Journey of Healing, offered structured yet gentle support for those navigating bereavement.
Monica’s approach is empathetic and empowering. Rather than offering instruction, she provides a steady listening presence, helping participants move toward their own sense of peace, hope, and meaning. She is widely recognised for integrating professional expertise with compassion and authenticity, enabling those who struggle with grief to find healing and renewed contentment.
Beyond her pastoral ministry, Monica co-presents Faith Alive, a long-running weekly programme on Midwest Radio exploring spirituality, faith, and contemporary pastoral concerns, often engaging with personal and family dilemmas that arise in times of loss. The programme both reflects and enriches her bereavement work, offering many people a first point of connection with her ministry.
Whether through her work at Knock Shrine, her broadcasting, or her public seminars and talks, Monica Morley is recognised for her warmth, sincerity, and ability to accompany others with grace, understanding, and hope.