Morris initially attended Georgetown University, pursuing a largely secular academic and social life, which included a college girlfriend.
[3] Among the activists whom Morris befriended was Father George Zabelka, a Catholic priest who had served as the chaplain for the crew of the Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War II.
[3] His inspiration for the walk included one particular teaching of Jesus, "But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.
"[3] Morris spearheaded the idea and enlisted supporters, including Father Zabelka, to join the walk to Bethlehem in the West Bank.
[1] The group began their walk at what is now called the Bangor Naval Base in Bremerton, Washington, on April 9, 1982, which was also Good Friday.
[1] Morris said that the Good Friday starting date was symbolic because he believed that nuclear weapons had the potential to "crucify the entire human race.
"[3] Each year, new Jesuit Volunteer Corps trainees are given a presentation on the Bethlehem Peace Pilgrimage and the values the walk represents as part of their initial training.
[1] In 2002, Morris was sent back to the United States, where he served as a parish priest in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, until his retirement due to declining health.