Rev. Edward J. Murphy

MURPHY, Rev. Edward J., S.J. - At St. Joseph's Infirmary, Taipei, Taiwan, April 10, 2005, at the age of 92. Fr. Murphy was born in San Francisco Nov. 24, 1912, the son of Edward Murphy and Margaret Cashman Murphy. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory and entered the Jesuit Order in 1930. He went to China in 1937 and until he and the other Californian Jesuits were expelled from the mainland in 1951, he gave his talents and energy to the spiritual care of the Chinese people. After language studies he taught at Gonzaga High School, Shanghai. While undergoing internment during World War II, he completed his theological training and was ordained a priest in 1943. After the War, Father was sent to Nanjing, where he served as Superior of the mission. In 1951 Father arrived in Taiwan, where he taught English at the National University. Returning to San Francisco in 1964, he served as Province Director and Treasurer for Foreign Missions until 1981. He went back to Taiwan and was named pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Taipei, a post he held until 1998. At the same time, he maintained his teaching position at the National University, retiring in 1992. After retiring as pastor, he continued working at the church until he moved to the infirmary in 2003. Father Murphy was dedicated to his priesthood and Jesuit vocation. As Mission Director, he was very successful in providing support for the work and personal needs of Jesuits working in Asia, Central and South America. His kindness and concern for his parishioners and for the men in his care was evident to all and he is fondly remembered as the long-time Moderator of the Jesuit Mothers organization in San Francisco. He is survived by a brother, Paul Murphy of Carlsbad, CA; is sister-in-law, Edith Murphy of Redwood City, and by many nieces and nephews. Funeral services and burial were in Taiwan. Donations in Father Murphy's memory may be made to the California Province, Society of Jesus, PO. Box 68, Los Gatos, CA 95030.