Father James P. Murphy
June 24, 1945 - February 8, 2014
Beloved Pastor Our Lady of the Lakes 1996-2011
What does it mean to be a father?
If we try to find a good answer to that question, all we need do is simply remember Father Murphy. A father, in a biological or any other sense, is essentially a life-giver. Father Murphy personified that.
James Murphy entered this life on June 24, 1945, and grew to cherish, celebrate and share the gift of life generously with many especially throughout the 41 years of his priestly ministry.
He came to do that in this parish community of Our Lady of the Lakes when he was assigned its pastor in 1996. He lovingly did that throughout his tenure as such. He valiantly did that beyond it in his increasingly weakened state.
And he gloriously did that up until his dying breath in the early morning hours of February 8, evoking and enjoying the sweet sounds of prayers and hymns offered by family and close friends at his bedside – a fitting end to a life that was much a beautiful song in itself.
As we sadly mourn his loss, we thank God for the life-giving blessings he brought about in our midst. Father Murphy helped this parish community cherish, celebrate and share life indeed! In a collage of varying contexts – in joyful sacramental celebrations, the worst hours of many, and festive meals crafted by his very hands – he splendidly gave life and taught this community to do the same.
The people of Our Lady of the Lakes Church are thankfully the blessed and beautiful life-giving children that he helped raise!
Words are deficient to express the gratitude, admiration and love held for him in our midst. We suffer his parting from us, yet rejoice in the just recompense he now receives from the life-giving Father Almighty for his very life-giving. We witnessed it, received it and are all the better for it.
May he rest in peace and may his memory continue to fill us with life!
Father José Alvarez