Oblate News

Fr Conor Murphy OMI

1934 – 2023

Conor Murphy was born in Mallow, North Cork on 6 June 1934. One of a family of 9 children, he was educated by the Patrician Brothers in Mallow. After school, he entered the Oblate Novitiate at Ardagh, Co Limerick in September 1952. Six years later at his ordination in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny (21 Sept 1958), he was a member of one of the largest classes ever ordained in the Anglo-Irish Oblate province.

Conor loved people, an essential quality for parish ministry. He relished the engagement with his parishioners and the annual cycle of parish life and ministry. With the exception of a few short breaks, he would devote his entire Oblate life to this ministry.

Since his death a few days ago, messages of support and sympathy have been coming from people in many of the parishes where he worked, including St. Annes, Birmingham, Christchurch, Chelmsley Wood, St. Mary’s Crewe, and Holy Cross, Liverpool.

He remained close to his large and supportive family throughout his life, joining in family celebrations and also for quieter Sunday walks with his brothers, whether along the Dodder or back home in Mallow. He kept in touch with them all and visited regularly.

Family was a pillar of his life. So too was his deep faith which was nourished in prayer, reflection and a devotion to ministry evident in his availability to do whatever was asked of him. He was a regular visitor to Oblates in nursing homes, particularly to Charlie O’Connor, whom he visited weekly until his own illness made visits impossible. His prayer life was centered on Mary, mother of our Saviour, mother of God’s people.

Throughout his illness, Conor was supported by the staff and community in the House of Retreat, who were in turn supported by the Palliative Care team from Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.

He died peacefully in the care of his community on February 26th.

Below is the prayer that Conor always prayed after Communion when he celebrated Mass with the community:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never

was known that anyone who fled to your protection,

implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin

of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,

but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

MURPHY Fr. Conor OMI (Dublin and formerly of Mallow) – February 26th, 2023, peacefully at the Oblate Community House of Retreat, Inchicore. Very sadly missed by his sister Breda (McCarthy), brother John, brothers-in-law Larry and Peter, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, friends and the Oblate community. Brother of the late Polly, Paddy, Billy, Br. James, David, Dick and Tina. 

If you would like to leave a personal message of condolence for the family, please click here.