Arthur D. Murray, OFM

1922 – 2008

Fr. Arthur Murray, OFM, was born Jan. 2, 1922 in Jersey City, N.J., and baptized Henry John. He entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., and was received into the Order at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1943. He professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1947 and was ordained in 1949.

From 1950 to 1952, Fr. Arthur served as assistant pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wanaque, N.J. He then served for three years on the pastoral staff. From 1955 to 1964, Fr. Arthur ministered as regional commissionary of the Secular Franciscans while residing at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, and St. Francis Friary, Brookline, Mass. He also served as curator of the Province’s house in West Falmouth, Mass.

In 1964, Fr. Arthur was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Atlanta, where he served until becoming a chaplain at St. Joseph Hosptial in Tampa, Fla. He ministered as pastor of Divine Savior Parish in Tifton, Ga., from 1984 to 1987 before retiring to St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla. One year later, Fr. Arthur began 14 years of service as part-time chaplain of the Bay Pines Veteran Hospital. He transferred to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J., in 2004.

He died there on April 2, 2008. Fr. Arthur was 86 years old, a professed friar for 63 years and a priest for 58 years.