Sunday June 15th. 2008

Fr Ted Murphy R.I.P

Fr Ted passed gently to God early  last Sunday Morning, June 8th, after a long and lingering illness which he bore with much patience and courage.

He was in semi-retirement after having served over five years in a busy parish at Blyth in the Hexham and Newcastle diocese, He had been chaplain to a very large hospital and also to a  secondary school, over and above his many parish duties. According to his fellow priests in the diocese, he was greatly loved by everyone, and did not spare himself in giving all that he could to God in his pastoral work.  When his illness became obvious, the bishop moved him to a small rural parish where he could relax before retiring. Sadly, his illness overtook him, and he decided to come home—to die.  

He realised that his illness was terminal and that it was only a matter of time until God called him, and these last months gave him special time to make his final spiritual preparations to meet his master whom he had served so well. He himself said he was ready to go. In whatever parish he served, he was greatly loved for his humanity, his compassion and kindness—and also for his sense of humour.

His priestly life is now over, and may Christ, the Good Shepherd, receive him and reward him for all the priestly work he did for souls.
May his gentle soul  rest in peace