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My dear parishioners,
Saint Thomas More has been blessed with the unique presence of Msgr. John Murphy for many, many years. His family gave permission today for us to let you know that Msgr. Murphy is in his last days. Truly a sad event, especially as we all prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
We ask for your prayers for him and for his family who have so lovingly taken care of him in his last years as he was failing. Over and over he said to me that he loved you all, “each and every one!” so much!
The death of a priest is unlike the death of any other: we feel it differently, deeply. We sense that in losing him, we will lose not only the man but also his unique way of manifesting God: the voice that spoke of God, hands that once blessed, and a heart that saw the goodness in us. A priest is someone who takes on the person of Christ, and his leave of us is somewhat of a loss in our very communication with the Lord. No one will ever again exemplify Christ for us in the singular way that this particular priest has done.
I pray for each one of you. You each have a story to tell, and a unique way in which Msgr. Murphy has been a part of your life. May our Lord Jesus bring you peace and consolation.
We will keep you updated as things progress as soon as possible. Please pray for Msgr. Murphy and for one another in this difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers as well.
God Bless You!
Fr. John Pendzick
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