Just a short time after he returned to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Rath, to celebrate his golden jubilee on October 14 last, Ballybrittas native Fr Seán Murphy SDBs has died after a short illness.
The missionary priest who was in his 90th year, had planned to return to Johannesburg the week after his golden jubilee celebrations.
Surrounded by his parents Michael and Theresa and siblings, Fr Seán was ordained in Rath by Most Rev Dr Lennon, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin on April 29, 1973, the first and only ordination, so far, at Rath Church.
Fourth in a family of 12 children, he was from the well-known ‘Murphy’s of the Farmyard’ family in Belgrove.
Having been educated in Rath National School and the CBS, Monasterevin, he spent two years working in the land registry office in the civil service in Dublin.
He then joined the Salesians and travelled on the missions to North East India where he spent six years.
He returned home in 1969 to study theology in St Patrick’s College. Africa was the focus of his work over the years, encompassing Swaziland, now known as Eswatini, Lesotho and Johannesburg.
While many people regard Johannesburg as a dangerous place, Fr Seán took a more positive approach. “Ah sure, we don’t think of that. I suppose there is a lot of upset. At the same time, people get on with their lives. Unemployment is their problem,” he told LaoisToday during an interview in advance of his golden jubilee.
“Crime would be fairly high, even murder, but that is increasing all the time, all over the world.”
There were not many Irish priests left in his area, he said. “Where I am, there are three Salesians: myself, Fr Marian who is Polish and Fr Emmanuel who is from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
“It’s a parish and a technical school. I celebrate Mass as much as I can. I have visited a lot of houses over the years – that has been my strong point. I am very close to the people,” Fr Seán said.
The highlights of his years in Africa had, he said, been the people. “All the wonderful people you meet from different cultures. They are a very enriching friendly people. If you are out walking, everyone would greet you. They are a very friendly people. Before I left to come home, they organised a small party for me.”
The governments in the parts of Africa in which he has been are all trying to develop for the benefit of their people, he maintained. When asked about levels of corruption, he said: “Ah sure there is corruption everywhere.”
Shortage of priests hadn’t been a problem in Africa as lay people were being trained to officiate at funerals, teach catechism, visit the sick and lead services on Sundays, according to Fr Seán.
He expressed the belief that the Catholic Church in this country could address the shortage of priests here by also adopting that approach.
“There is an interest in doing that. In Rath, quite a good few people have come forward to bring Communion to the sick and act as readers on Sundays. That is where the future is. People are interested once they are approached,” contended Fr Seán.
While he had been home every couple of years, he hadn’t been back for Christmas since 1972 but homesickness was not a problem. “When you’re working you’re absorbed in your work. It’s nice to come home but I enjoy my work. I’m never bored or disappointed.”
Staying in his sister Mary’s house in Clanmalire Crescent, Portarlington, he had the opportunity to catch up with his surviving siblings: Mick, Jim, Mary and Rose. Tom, Billy, Patrick, Dick, Con, Breedge and Tess had all passed away.
Fr Seán was delighted that Mary’s daughter, Vanessa, and Mick’s wife, Dodo, both called to see him while on their travels in the past. He said he was very happy in his busy missionary role.
Approximately 100 family members attended a meal in the Killeshin Hotel to mark his golden jubilee.
His nephews and nieces told LaoisToday that they are devastated at his unexpected death on Tuesday, November 21 but glad that the family had the chance to get together for his golden jubilee which was a very special occasion.
They paid tribute to his humility and his love for his Irish and African families. An inspirational and saintly figure who had led a fulfilling life, he was a truly special person, a real superstar, they said. Others have commended Fr Seán’s dedication to his work and his compassion.
Fr Seán died in St James’ Hospital, Dublin. He will repose at the Sacred Heart Church, Rath, this (Thursday) evening from 4pm with funeral prayers at 7.30pm.
Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 12 noon and will be live streamed. The funeral afterwards will be in Ballyadden Cemetery, Ballybrittas.
May He Rest in Peace
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