Brother Joseph (Frances) Murray,
1916-1966.
Carlow.
Transcribed in Oct. 2008 by Michael Purcell from school days'
scrapbook.
The Nationalist and Leinster Times.
23rd December, 1966.
Rev. Brother Joseph Murray, O.S.B.
To
those who knew him during the 30 years he lived in Carlow, Frankie
Murray, was synonymous with gaiety and wit. Few could reconcile
themselves to the idea of him as a Benedictine Brother. Yet during
recent years when a relaxation of rite allowed him a yearly visit
home, they were happy to find the austere monastic discipline had
not changed him a whit.
It
was on his holiday in October of this year that he took ill, and his
death occurred on Monday last at the Richmond Hospital, Dublin.
When he left the Christian Brothers' Academy he joined the staff of
Thomas Thompson and Son, where he remained for many years. He then
took up an appointment in London; a friendship with Mrs Cecil
Chesterton, whom he was assisting in the Catholic Social Work in
London, led to his entering the watch-making industry. G.K.C.'S
sister-in-law felt he should use his considerable practical gifts.
His
promotion amazed people who had spent a lifetime in the industry. He
became successively department manager, divisional inspector, and
when appointed divisional manager, he resigned to enter St.
Michael's Abbey, Farnborough Benedictine Community in Hampshire.
His
talents were soon recognised and he attended the College of Art in
Guildford for three years specialising in the binding of valuable
manuscripts and precious books sent from all over the world.
He
also was instrumental in setting up a small museum devoted to
souvenirs of Napoleon III., the Empress Eugenie and their son. The
Empress had founded the monastery, and the tombs of the Emperor,
their son and herself have long been places of pilgrimage to French
tourists in particular.
His
activities in the monastery were legion. On the day of his
profession (Laet are Sunday) he was repairing the Golden Rose
presented to the Empress by Pope Benedict XVI. Since then this
priceless relic has been completely restored by the British Museum.
He
fashioned the crown for the wooden statue "Our Lady of the oyer",
carved in Farnborough and carried across England to Wales in
procession.
Fr.
Seamus Cunnane of Carlow is now Parish Priest of the church where
the statue rests.
Even though he died at the comparatively early age of 50, he had
touched on more activities than one could numerate.
As
a member of Carlow Rowing Club he was the first canoe enthusiast on
the river Barrow and in the doldrums of rowing activity was a lone
familiar figure during the summer months.
A
founder-member of the Commercial Badminton Club ( under the auspices
of the C.Y.M.S.) he worked unceasingly to make the club the force it
became.
Brother Joseph was the second son of the late Patrick and Kathleen
Murray, Dublin Street, Carlow. He is survived by his brothers, Aidan
and Kevin, and sisters, Mrs Maureen Bramley and Mrs Brigid Kirwin.
The
remains were removed from the Richmond Hospital on Monday evening
where Fr. Sean O'Leary, C.C., Carlow, recited the prayers before
departure. At the Cathedral clergy present included: V. Rev. C.
Crowley, Adm.; V. Rev. P. Shine, Knockbeg College, ; Rev. T.
Waldron, C.C., and other clergy.
The
funeral took place to St. Mary's Cemetery on Tuesday. Prayers were
recited by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Miller, P.P., V.F.. Newbridge ; V. Rev.
P.J.Brophy, St. Patrick's College; V. Rev. P. Shine, Rev. E.
Mathews, C.C., Graiguecullen; Rev. J. Fingleton, C.C., and V. Rev.
M.Coughlan, P.P. Arles.
Source: The Golden Jubilee Journal 1936-1986 p. 9-11 (Michael Purcell)