FATHER ANDREW (MURPHY) C.P. (d. 23rd August 1931, aged 45 years.) Only a few days had elapsed since the death of Fr. Henry (Ward), C.P., when the Passionist Congregation suffered another heavy loss in the death of Fr. Andrew (Murphy), C.P., which occurred at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, The Graan, Enniskillen. His death was very unexpected for Fr. Andrew, who was a most zealous and popular member of the Congregation, was in the prime of life, being only forty-five years of age. Known in the world as Joseph Murphy, Fr. Andrew of the Seven Dolours was born in Dublin on April 24th, 1886. He received his early education in the Christian Brothers’ Schools, Westland Row from which he went to the Passionist Preparatory College at Carmarthen. Entering the Novitiate at Broadway, Worcs., in 1907, he made his religious profession on June 5th, 1908. He pursued his course of ecclesiastical studies at Mount Argus, Dublin, being raised to the priesthood on December 21st, 1913, at the Pro-Cathedral, Marlboro’ Street, Dublin. Subsequent to his ordination, he ministered in a number of large industrial centres, including Belfast where he was in charge of the Women’s Confraternity Birmingham, South Wales and Glasgow. In each place he endeared himself to all by his unfailing good humour, his zeal for souls and his charity. Those with whom he lived can readily testify to his willingness to perform wholeheartedly any task entrusted to him, even at the shortest notice. The people of the populous centres wherein he laboured esteemed and loved him; for his sterling qualities of head and heart won for him a special place in the affections of all. Of a genial, quiet and unassuming manner, deeply sympathetic with those in trouble, never sparing himself in his efforts to help the poor and the afflicted, he was always at the service of those who sought his help. As a missioner too, Fr. Andrew was most successful; his sermons awakened a ready response in the souls of his hearers; his confessional was invariably surrounded by crowds of penitents and it may be said that he considered no effort too great to bring souls back to the feet of his Crucified Lord. The latter years of his life were spent in St. Mungo’s Retreat, Glasgow. His work there was not of a kind that brought him into the limelight, but rather constant and hard- but of the good results of those labours many a soul can gratefully speak. His health, never very robust showed signs of failing under the continual strain, and he was changed to St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen, in the hope that a more restful life, coupled with change of air and scenery, would restore his wonted health. But God saw that his labours were finished, and He was about to call this faithful steward to receive the reward of his labours. He arrived at Enniskillen on Tuesday, August 18th, but succumbed after a few days’ illness, to an attack of pneumonia. He died on Sunday, August 23rd, fortified by the rites of Holy Church, surrounded by his sorrowing brethren. Prior to the removal of the remains to Dublin, Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Gabriel’s Retreat, Enniskillen, at which Right Rev. Mgr. Tierney, P.P., V.G., Enniskillen presided. The obsequies, at which Very Rev. Canon Grimes, P.P., St. Kevin’s, presided, took place amidst scenes of general mourning at Mount Argus, Dublin; and a large attendance of relatives, friends, and the general public, assisted at the interment in the cemetery attached to the Retreat. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. (ex. “The Cross”, October 1931, Vol. XXII, p. 253) It may help in fixing Fr. Andrew into the history of the Province if it is remembered that he was the uncle of the first Bishop of Gaberones, Botswana. the Most Reverend Charles URBAN Murphy, C.P. Joseph Murphy was born in Dublin on 24th April 1896. Like Padraig Pearse he was a pupil in the Christian Brothers’ School at Westland Row. He was at business for a few years, but when 21 years old, he entered the Passionist Novitiate at Broadway, Worcs., being Professed on 5th June 1908, one of the last Novices to be professed there in the old Anglo-Hibernian Province, for the Nov. was shifted that year, first to Mt. Argus, then to the Graan. He did his Philosophy and Theology studies in the Mount, and was ordained by the Archbishop of Dublin on 21st December 1913 along with 9 other Passionists, one of whom was the later-to-be-well-known Fr. Ignatius Gibney. He served in most of the houses of the old Anglo-Hibernian Province, and when it was divided into two successor Provinces, he became a member of St. Patrick’s, and was transferred to Holy Cross, Ardoyne. He had charge of the Women’s Confraternity of the Passion, and the large presentation made to him on his being sent to Glasgow, showed how popular he was. In Glasgow he was no stranger, having being stationed there before. Again he endeared himself to the people of his district by his geniality and his genuine sympathy with those in trouble or sorrow. Among his brethren he was ever bright and cheerful and left a reputation of being a man who was ready always to do extra duty at the shortest notice. His health, tho’, began to fail, and he was transferred to the quieter atmosphere of the Graan. That was on Tuesday, 18th August 1931 : on Sunday afternoon he died, with all the Brethren around him, as the old custom was, and with the strength of the Last Sacraments to aid him on his journey to Heaven. Sources.. Anglo-Hibernian Catalogue, 1917 No. 99 ‘THE CROSS’ 4(1913-14): 362 Obituary Notice 1931.08.23