Reverend Monsignor Patrick J. Murphy

Reverend Monsignor Patrick J. Murphy, a retired priest in the Diocese of Alexandria, died, Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at the Summit Nursing Home. He was born May 17, 1925 in County Cork, Ireland. He was 84 years old. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1950 at St. Patrick College, Carlow, Ireland. Monsignor was named a Papal Chaplain and given the title Monsignor on May 20, 1972.

Upon ordination, Monsignor Murphy's first assignment was as an associate pastor at Saint Joseph's Church in Marksville and later in Alexandria at Our Lady of Prompt Succor. He was first appointed pastor of Saint Joseph's Church, Mansfield in 1955. In addition he served as pastor in Lake Providence, Shreveport, Hodge, Bunkie, Vidalia, Bossier City, Simmesport, Cheneyville, Evergreen, Lecompte and Winnsboro. He also served in Shreveport, Bossier City and Monroe in chaplaincies. He officially retired from active ministry in 1995, but continued to serve in various capacities.

The Rite of the Reception of the Body will take place on Friday, January 1, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria, followed immediately by the Vigil for the Deceased. Visitation for Friday evening will conclude at 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, visitation will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral from 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. The Rite of Committal at Maryhill Priests Cemetery will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of John Kramer & Son.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Priests Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Alexandria, or Monsignor Murphy Seminary Burse, P O Box 7417, Alexandria, LA. 71306.

Town Talk, December 30, 2009

Pelican Footnote: Father Patrick Murphy served as pastor of Little Flower Church from June 4, 1987 to June 25, 1992