Photos by Tom Beirne
At Fr. Jim Murphy’s Retirement Mass in St. Canice’s Church, Kilkenny on 24th August, the congregation was addressed by Catherine Brady on behalf of the Parish Council in the unavoidable absence of its Chairperson, John Shortall, to bid farewell and pass on good wishes to Fr. Jim.
Catherine spoke to a packed church and thanked Fr Jim for what she described as his enormous contribution to St Canice’s.
“Fifty-three years have gone by since Fr. Jim first said yes to the call to Priesthood and was ordained by Bishop Peter Birch on 11th June 1972. Fr. Jim’s journey of faith and love began in his beloved France, in Paris, and brought him back to Ossory working with schools and parishes in St. Canice’s (Kilkenny), Bennettsbridge/Tullaherin, Rathdowney, Clara and finally back to St. Canice’s”, said Catherine.
Ms Brady went on to quote Fr Murphy :“As he said himself at his Golden Jubilee, it brought him twice around the world serving the Parishes, its Fraternity, and what an adventure it has been”.
Speaking on behalf of the Parish Council and the parish Catherine expressed gratitude to Fr Jim saying “I know we speak for everyone in our Parish in expressing our gratitude to you Fr. Jim, for being our Parish Priest for the last 21 years”.
She described Fr Jim as a humble, unassuming, kind, caring, wise and comforting and proved himself to be an innovative and progressive shepherd for all in the parish.
“Your sense of humour, work ethic and constant presence for your Parish Community will never be forgotten. You are loved by everyone, most especially our children and young people, generations of whom you have inspired and will continue to encourage even in your retirement. For all of this, we give heartfelt thanks to you and please know, we will miss you greatly”, said Catherine.
Blessed Charles Eugène De Fuocauld, always an inspiration for Fr. Jim, describes Fr. Jim’s ministry best when he said: ‘It is not necessary to teach others, to cure them or to improve them, it is only necessary to live among them, sharing the human condition and being present to them in love’.
“To a heartfelt applause, Catherine concluded by thanking Fr Jim for everything he did and offered good wishes and blessing to him as he embarks on the next chapter in life’s adventure. “A bientot, míle buíochas agus go n-éiri an bothar leat a chara.”
In response to the congregation present, Fr Murphy thanked everyone for their kindness and good wishes. “As is the case with all the parishes I have had the pleasure to serve, St Canice’s will hold a special place in my heart”, said Fr Jim.
At the conclusion of the Mass presentations were made to Fr. Jim on behalf of the Parish Community by Margaret Logue, Sean O’Neill and Peter Walsh. Fr. Jim then made presentations to Sr. Concepta (Parish Sister), Secretaries Margaret Logue and Caroline Cummins and Ailish Brennan (Sacristan).
Following Mass, the congregation gathered on the Church lawn for a cuppa, a chat and an ice cream.
