Tributes to ‘real Christian gentleman’ Canon Murray

Tributes to ‘real Christian gentleman’ Canon Murray

9 November 2022

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Downpatrick parish priest who died last week.

Canon Brendan Murray’s requiem mass took place in Holy Family Church, Belfast, on Saturday.

He died at Nazareth Care Village on the Ravenhill Road, Belfast on Monday, October 31

Canon, who had spent over 60 years as a priest, was born in November 1931 and grew up on the Glen Road in Andersonstown, Belfast.

After attending St Mary’s Christian Brothers School, he attended Queen’s University Belfast where he obtained a degree in philosophical studies. 

After completing a theology degree at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he was ordained into the priesthood in 1957.

His first appointment was as a chaplain at Dominican College, Fortwilliam Park, Belfastm and also chaplain to the deaf.

In 1966, he was appointed curate in Bangor, where he remained for 12 years, and in 1978 curate in St Brigid’s Parish in Belfast.

In 1985, he was appointed curate in Holy Rosary Parish and subsequently parish priest of the same parish in August 1987.

In August 1997, he was appointed Parish Priest in Downpatrick where he remained until his retirement in 2005.

After his retirement he continued to minister as a curate in Holy Family Parish. Canon Murray was also Diocesan Spiritual Director to the Apostolic Work in Down and Connor and also worked on the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission.

In a statement Holy Family Parish said: “It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the news that Canon Brendan Murray has passed away.

“Canon Murray was much loved within our parish, playing a huge part in so many of our lives over the years and will be missed by many. We send condolences to Canon Murray’s family and ask that you keep them in your prayers.”

Tributes to Canon Murray were also made on social media.

“So sorry to hear of the terrible loss of Canon Murray, a real Christian gentleman and great friend,” said one.

Another said: “Canon Murray was a remarkable man and a wonderful priest. Loved and respected by so many in out parish. Our sincere condolences to his family. May you rest in peace.”

And another said: “So very sad to read this. What a wonderful priest who radiated kindness, warmth and good humour. Such a gentleman in every way. A great loss to all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to all his family.”