We join the rest of the Diocese of Youngstown in mourning the death of Bishop Murry. In the 77 years of our diocese's existence, this is the first time one of our bishops has died in office.
Bishop Murry loved our parish and enjoyed his many visits to us over the years. He came to our celebration of Villija several times and often expressed his appreciation of our hospitality. Many of you remember him as a very bright, but down-to-earth man with a great love of people and a fine sense of humor. He was the only Bishop of Youngstown who was a member of a religious order and he brought his Jesuit training to so much of what he did.
During the past twelve years, I have been blessed to have worked closely with him as his Vicar for Clergy and he was extremely supportive of my pastoral and diocesan ministry. Having accompanied him through his health struggles of the past two years, I am grateful for the strength of his example.