[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E74]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO FATHER JAMES PAUL MURPHY

                                 ______


                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a man who has 
brought 15 years of joy to his parishioners at St. Patrick Church in 
Miami Beach, FL. Unfortunately, his archbishop has decided that his 
talents are more needed elsewhere.
  I speak of Father James Paul Murphy, originally of Cork, Ireland. 
Last year Father Murphy celebrated 25 years in the priesthood, the past 
15 of which have been spent at St. Patrick Church. Coincidentally, 
Father Murphy came to St. Patrick's the same year that I came to 
Congress. This parish holds a particularly special place in my heart, 
as I was baptized there.
  Before coming to St. Patrick Church, Father Murphy was the director 
of the youth office at the chancellory of the Archdiocese of Miami. 
Since Father Murphy joined St. Patrick's he has continued his work with 
the youth in the community and is well liked by the children in school. 
He has formed a program for the youth in the parish, as well as a child 
care center.
  Father Murphy administers to the elderly, the sick, and the needy of 
our community. He holds luncheons for the elderly on Tuesdays, likes to 
visit the homebound, holds engagement encounters, visits Mt. Sinai, and 
the Miami Heart Institute and serves as the chaplain of the Miami Beach 
Police Department.
  Father Murphy's parishioners think he is a terrific pastor. He has 
said the pain his move is causing his parishioners is the hardest part 
for him and reminds him of the French song Plaisir D'Amour, which he 
remembers from his childhood in Ireland. ``The joys of love are but a 
moment long. The pain endures the whole life through.''
  St. Patrick's and the town of Miami Beach are losing not only a 
wonderful pastor but a good friend. Father Murphy will surely be missed 
for the outstanding contributions he has made to his parish and 
community. Our Lady of Lakes will count their blessings when they see 
what a wonderful addition their parish is getting.

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