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Rev. John Patrick Murphy, O.S.A. (1929 - 2004)

Rev. John Patrick Murphy, O.S.A. entered eternal life January 13, 2004.

John Patrick Murphy was born May 20, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Patrick and Ella (Gorman) Murphy. He was Baptized June 9, 1929 at St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church, Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation October 24, 1939 at the same church.

He enrolled in St. Monica Seminary High School, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he studied for three years beginning in 1943. He transferred for his Senior Year to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. There he earned his high school diploma in 1947.

He entered the Augustinian Novitiate in September, 1947, but withdrew in 1948 before profession of vows because of his concern about the ill health of both his parents.

He was again received into the Novitiate December 3, 1950. He professed Simple (temporary) Vows in the Order of St. Augustine December 4, 1951 and Solemn (permanent) Vows December 4, 1954. He was ordained a Priest June 5, 1957.

John studied at Loyola University, Chicago, for one year in 1949-50, and, after profession of vows, completed his collegiate studies at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B.A. in Philosophy. He did his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1954 to 1957.

Father Murphy was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a teacher in 1958. In 1962 he began a long preaching ministry as a member of the Augustinian Mission Band, traveling to numerous locations to direct retreats and conduct week-long parish missions.

In this work, he was based at St. Joseph Mission House, Fort Wayne, Indiana from 1962 to 1971, and then at St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, from 1971 to 1993. For several years he was Director of the Mission Band.

In 1993 Father Murphy was named Associate Pastor of St. Jude Parish, New Lenox, Illinois. He served in that capacity until 2001, when he retired to Our Lady of Grace Community at Marian Village, Homer Glen, Illinois, where he was residing at the time of his death.

Father Murphy is remembered as a friendly and jovial man who loved to talk with other people. He promoted a sense of community wherever he went. He was an effective and entertaining preacher. Particularly when giving talks to children, he would fascinate his audience by weaving magic tricks into his message. Although he experienced much suffering during his life, he always strove to maintain a cheerful disposition.

A funeral Mass of Resurrection was celebrated January 17, 2004 at St. Jude Church. Father Murphy is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.