Sister Paula Merrill (Nun)
Sister Paula Merrill (Nun)
Sister Paula and Sister Margaret Held worked together at the Lexington Medical Clinic in Lexington, Mississippi and Durant Primary Care Clinic in Durant. The clinics were both located in Holmes County, Mississippi a poor rural areas and the nund would treat people regardless if they could afford treatment. The nuns also regularly distributed books, school supplies and many other items to the needy. [0]
The two nuns lived together in a home in Durant, Mississippi on Castalian Springs Road and shared a car. [2]
The sisters were among 35 members of St. Thomas Catholic Church, and they typically gathered on Thursday nights for Bible study and a meal, the pastor said.
Held was a great baker, and both women would usually bring something to eat.
Death
On August 18, 2016 Sister Paula Merrill and Sister Margaret Held were both fatally stabbed. Police suspect the killings were part of an armed robbery since the nuns car was stolen. [0]
When the two nuns didn't show up to work on Thursday morning, a co-worker checked on them at 10:30 a.m., discovering their bodies and contacting police.
Their bodies were transported to the State Crime Lab, where pathologists are expected to conduct autopsies.
Statement by Bishop Joseph Kopacz
“These sisters have spent years of dedicated service here in Mississippi.
They absolutely loved the people in their community,” and “We mourn with the people of Lexington and Durant and we pray for the Sisters of Charity, the School Sisters of St. Francis and the families left behind."
Father Greg Plata a local priest had said “These were the two sweetest sisters you could imagine.
It’s so senseless,”[3]