Society of African Missions- The Irish Province

1965—1968 Diocese of Warri, Nigeria

1968—1970 Dean of Studies, African Missions, Dromantine, Newry, Co Down, Ireland

1970—1972 Further Studies, Boston College, Boston, USA

1972—1973 Spiritual Director, SMA House, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland

1973—1978 Rector, SMA House, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland

1978—1989 Provincial Superior, African Missions, Feltrim, Cork, Ireland

1989—1990 Sabbatical Leave

1990—1996 Spiritual Director, St John Vianney Major Seminary, Pretoria, South Africa

1996—2004 Spiritual Director, SMA House of Studies, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya

2004—2012 Curate, Mary Mother of God Parish, Embulbul, Diocese of Ngong, Kenya

2013—2014 Curate, St Joseph’s SMA Parish, Wilton, Cork

2014— Retired, SMA House, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

Fr Con died unexpectedly in the SMA House, African Missions, Blackrock Road,

Cork, on 8 February 2024, aged 87 years.

ETERNAL REST GRANT TO HIM, O LORD

In the realm of spiritual guidance and mentoring, the impact of an individual can leave profound imprints on generations to come. Such is the case of Fr. Cornelius Murphy, a formator whose unwavering dedication spanned over 23 years. Revered by many during his 8-year tenure in Nairobi as the spiritual director baptized “Mzee,” a Swahili term of respect for an esteemed elder, Fr. Murphy’s influence transcended boundaries of culture and language, leaving behind a legacy of faith, wisdom, and cultural reverence.

Fr. Murphy’s mission, as articulated in one interview, encompassed a profound aspiration: “My greatest challenge is to do my job well, that is to be of assistance in enabling students to become aware of God’s actions in their lives.” His deep-seated joy stemmed from witnessing numerous students evolve into accomplished SMA Missionaries, embodying an authentic spirit of internationality within the formation house, despite the inevitable tensions arising from multicultural living.

Throughout his years in the formation houses, Fr. Murphy navigated the intricate web of interactions with young individuals and the intellectually stimulating environments created by philosophy and theology students. These encounters challenged him academically, liturgically, and spiritually, fostering personal growth and mutual learning.

Fr. Murphy’s approach to mentorship was not characterized by mere dispensing of advice but by a call to authenticity and introspection. He encouraged seminarians to embrace their strengths, acknowledge their limitations, and utilize their unique gifts to the fullest extent. A cornerstone of his teachings was the power of prayer, emphasizing that through a prayerful disposition, individuals could not only become faithful and proficient missionaries but also find genuine happiness in their calling.

Bringing to light the profound impact of Fr. Murphy’s mentorship, testimonies from individuals like Fr. Anicet Senganambi and Fr. Richard Angolio paint a vivid picture of his influence. Reminiscing about his interactions with Fr. Corn, Fr. Anicet Senganambi, currently serving in Italy, fondly recalls him as a compassionate father figure who offered sage advice with a touch of humor. “You are the best, but don’t tell anybody. They may be jealous,” Fr. Corn would jest, imparting a valuable lesson on the intrinsic worth within each individual.

Mr. Lazarus Kubasu, a former SMA seminarian, eloquently captures Fr. Corn’s passion for embracing cultural diversity and fostering a sense of pride in African heritage. “Fr. Murphy’s ardor for African authenticity and the vibrant tapestry of Kenyan culture permeated every aspect of his being,” Mr. Kubasu writes. Fr. Corn’s unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between faith and culture served as a guiding light, inspiring others to embrace their diverse backgrounds.

Fr. Corn’s aphorisms, “Sell yourself then sell your message,” and “Presence is all you need, but absence says it all,” have profoundly influenced Fr. Richard Angolio, serving as guiding principles in his life and ministry. These wise words underscore the importance of genuine connection, engagement, and personal interaction in spreading the Gospel—a lesson that Fr. Angolio has embraced throughout his journey.

Drawing from Fr. Corn’s wisdom, Fr. Angolio has come to understand the profound significance of building authentic relationships and establishing meaningful connections with communities. He recognizes that true ministry goes beyond mere presence; it involves active engagement and sincere involvement in the lives of others.

As we come to terms with the loss of this impactful figure, let us remember and carry forth Fr. Cornelius Murphy’s enduring legacy of love, empathy, and reverence for the spiritual and cultural foundations that shaped his life’s work.

Fr Con died unexpectedly at the African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork on Thursday, 8 February, 2024 at the age of 87 years.

In the words of Lazarus Kubasu, “May his spirit find solace in eternal peace, and may his memory forever inspire and guide us along the sacred pathways of faith.”

HOMILY: St Catherine of Sienna reminds us to something very important in life when she said “be the person God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire”.

As we gather to celebrate Fr Con Murphy’s life I invite you to recall some memory you have of him……

Thanksgiving is sweeter than bounty itself.
One who cherishes gratitude does not cling to the gift!
Thanksgiving is the true meat of God’s bounty; the bounty is its shell,
For thanksgiving carries you to the heart of the Beloved.
Abundance alone brings heedlessness,
Thanksgiving gives birth to alertness…    
The bounty of thanksgiving will satisfy and elevate you, 
And you will bestow a hundred bounties in return.
Eat your fill of God’s delicacies,
And you will be freed from hunger and begging.   [Rumi]

We gather today to celebrate the long life and work Fr Con Murphy. On hearing news of his death, we felt we had lost a good friend. As we recalled and shared the stories of Fr Con’s life and his gifts we were grateful for his life. He loved stories and was blessed with a great memory. Now that we are here to celebrate his funeral Mass, we have the privilege of honouring his memory, celebrating his long, fruitful life and finally lay him to rest in the SMA cemetery adjacent to this church.

We surround Con’s immediate family and relatives who are gathered here and we extend to them our sincere sympathy and condolences.

One of the things I’m conscious of today is that Con would not like me or anyone else using too many words about him on this occasion. However, I have no doubt he would like to be remembered in this way. The Scripture passage chosen for the First Reading today speaks eloquently about life and its hidden mystery; and it also reminds us about the life of Con Murphy. There is a time to be born, a time for every purpose under heaven and then a time to die.  Too often perhaps we rush to fix the time and to manage it in our way and this in turn prevents us from grasping and appreciating the grace of the present moment.        

If we do not see the wisdom of the truth that for everything there is a time and a season then at a time of mourning or loss we may want to rush ahead or not wish to spend time grieving. But there is a time to be born and a time to die; a time to hold on and a time to let go. And so we are remembering and honouring the times of Con’ life as we gather to remember and pray for him.

Looking back now at how Con’s lived the years of his long life we can see that there were many different seasons, various invitations to do different things right from the beginning in Toames, Kilmichael – where he was born and grew up in his family.  Then there were the years when he went to the local primary school and then to De La Salle College for secondary education and played Gaelic games at which Con excelled.  Good, happy years I believe! On finishing school there came a change for him as he went to work for a few years before joining the SMA. He was dedicated, efficient and welcoming.

In life we are all searching for something important, that pearl in our lives. This is our vocational call. Con joined the SMA and was ordained 60 years ago. The poet RS Thomas reminds us of the importance of finding this treasure or naming something for which we then live and die:

“I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the pearl
of great price, the one field that had
treasure in it. I realize now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it.”                                  R.S. Thomas, The Bright Field

I think Con found his own treasure in his missionary vocation, relationships, and work and so lived a long and happy life.  Once he found the treasure, he gave it all he had through his quiet commitment to work, prayer and people, and ministry as a missionary in Ireland and in different parts of Africa.

Our Second Reading reminds us of how our lives are connected to others and how what we do and say has an influence far beyond what is merely visible. Like Christ we are each invited to give our lives in love for the service of the other. Fr Con did this in so many ways, but particularly during the years of active missionary life by caring for others, He sought to help people discover the dream of God for them through their choices in the difficult times in life. People in Africa liked Con for caring and encouraging them in their lives. I got a message from one person in Kenya yesterday mourning the loss of Mzee Fr Con. Mzee is the Swahili language means “the wise elder”.

Then during all his years in Cork – both in active ministry in his retirement – Con never forgot his roots and loved to visit the family and extended family and keep in touch with his many friends.

The Gospel chosen for this funeral Mass is the familiar passage of the Beatitudes or guidance on how to be and become your best self. These were the same Gospel principles or virtues that guided Con’s life, work and relationships.  He knew that in life, “things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” [Goethe]. The principles and values of the Gospel were the very things that guided his life in ministry be that in administration of the Irish Province of our SMA, education and formation of younger people in schools in Nigeria and later on in seminaries in Ireland, South Africa and Kenya, and his care for the poor where he lived and worked. Over the last few days since news of Fr Con’s death spread, I have received messages from those who met him and were influenced by his gentle, caring connection to all.

In all the seasons of his life Con learned about change and grew in an ever-growing awareness of the mystery of God and the presence of the person of Jesus in his life and work. He was ever conscious of the truth:

 “With the drawing of this love and the voice of this calling
we shall not cease from your exploration
and the end of all our exploring
will be to arrive at where we started
and know that place for the first time.”   [T S Elliot]

Then when life’s journey draws to a close there is the harvest time, a time of reaping and blessings. For the fullness of time, which encompasses all seasons, we depend ultimately on the mercy of God from whom our salvation comes. Rising from the dead, Christ became the light that illuminates all peoples, that lightens and saves the path of humanity and allows us to catch a glimpse of the face of God beyond the tunnel of death.  Christians, who have been marked by the seal of the Holy Spirit, are the enlightened ones. Dying with Christ they rise again with Him in the dazzling light of the Lord’s Day and the new creation. They are new creatures, they are like the stars and they have a mission to illuminate the dark and sometimes tragic path of history. Fr Con has now joined that blessed company and he can share in their care for us so we pray:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.    [Celtic blessing]

Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Fr John Dunne, SMA