ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Reverend James J. Murphy, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Bridget Parish, Philadelphia, died at Saint Francis Country House, Darby, on Monday, March 7, 2011.

Father Murphy was born on June 6, 1918, in Weehauken, New Jersey. He is the son of the late Leo J. Murphy and the late Mary Anselm O'Conner. Father Murphy attended Our Lady of Lourdes Parochial School, Philadelphia, Saint Joseph High School, and Saint Joseph College, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Murphy was ordained on February 24, 1945, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend Hugh L. Lamb. Father Murphy served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Jerome Parish, Tamaqua, and Saint Michael of the Saints Parish, Philadelphia. Father Murphy also served on the faculty at Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia. Father Murphy served as Assistant Editor, Catholic Standard and Times. Father Murphy served as Chaplain, Saint Bedes Chapel, Philadelphia, from 1956 through 1973. In June 1973, he was appointed Pastor, Saint Bridget Parish, Philadelphia, and named Pastor Emeritus there, in 1991.

The Reception of the Body will be held at Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Darby, on Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 9:00 AM, followed by a viewing. His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali will celebrate a Funeral Mass for Father Murphy at 11:00 AM. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Sullivan, Reverend Thomas A. Nasta and Very Reverend Georges G. Thiers, C.O. Father Nasta will be the homilist.

Father Murphy is survived by his nieces and nephews. Internment will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747