Recently we received word of the death of Fr. John P. Murphy F.M.S.I., a member of the religious community, Son of Mary, Health of the Sick. They are based in Framingham but have missions all over the world.

Fr. John as many of you know came to our assistance often in the course of the eight years I have been here. He was always more than willing to come and celebrate Mass, or hear confessions, for adults and children. Like Fr. Tony, he provided assistance in many area parishes.

Fr. John had a worldwide ministry as well. He spent years in both Peru and the Philippines; He was the Provincial for his order more than once, which necessitated his travelling to every one of their missions every year. Again his willingness to answer God’s call was evident in all that he did.

Along the way, he received an advanced degree from Boston College and became a social worker at Boston Medical Center. There he worked with many different people, but especially with those in hospice care. Ironically it was cancer that took his life and hopefully some of his ministry came back to care for him.

On a personal note, I have known Fr. John for more than fifty years. We were classmates at St. John’s Seminary for eight years and were ordained together in May 1972.  After ordination, for long periods John was obviously gone from the Boston area, but we reconnected when I was pastor in Framingham. Again he was always willing to lend a helping hand. I also know of much good John did for people without any fanfare or publicity but out of his sense of ministry to them.

I was saddened and shocked by his death. I will miss his calm demeanor and ready smile. His faith and commitment to God is a lasting legacy. May he rest in peace and may he receive the rewards of a “good and faithful servant”.