1 January, 1908
1-Emigrating from Ireland to America
Archbishop Murphy’s parents, Bartholomew and Ellen (Nellie), emigrated from Ireland to America in search of opportunity and a better way of life....
Timeline
1908
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1932
3 October, 1932
2-Date of birth
Bartholomew and Nellie Murphy settled on the West Side of Chicago in the Garfield Park neighborhood. The archbishop’s father pursued a career as ...
23 October, 1932
3-St. Mel Catholic Church - the center of life on the West Side of Chicago
St. Mel Catholic Church was the center of life in the vibrant West Side Chicago neighborhood in which the Murphy family lived. Thomas J. Murphy was...
1 November, 1932
4-Formative years
Thomas J. Murphy was born at the onset of the Great Depression – the worst economic downturn the world had ever experienced. It affected the vast...
1946
8 September, 1946
5-Taking the first steps on the path to priesthood
Throughout his formative years in St. Mel Catholic Parish Grammar School, Thomas Murphy was continually exposed to idea of considering a vocation t...
1951
1 June, 1951
6-High school graduation
Thomas Murphy graduates from Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary School in June of 1951. The graduating class of 1951 was a distinguished one. ...
8 September, 1951
7-A formal commitment to the Lord's call
Thomas Murphy’s high school years further deepened his belief in hearing the Lord’s call to priestly ministry. The future archbishop takes the ...
1958
12 April, 1958
8-Ordained to the priesthood
Samuel Cardinal Stritch, Archbishop of Chicago, ordained Thomas J. Murphy in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the grounds of St. Mary of ...
1 May, 1958
9-The parish priest – a lifelong vocation
After ordination, Father Murphy served as an associate pastor at a several parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. Parish life left an inde...
1960
1 May, 1960
10-Post graduate education
At the time of his ordination to the priesthood in 1958, the Reverend Thomas J. Murphy earned undergraduate and masters degrees in religion from St...
1962
1 January, 1962
11-The Second Vatican Council - a profound influence
Pope John XXIII convenes The Second Vatican Council in Rome in 1962. This council during a three-year period developed and implemented a series of ...
1967
1 July, 1967
12-A deep appreciation for the ministry of teaching
Father Murphy taught theology at Loyola University of Chicago for six years from 1967 to 1973.
The experience of teaching college students left ...
1968
1 January, 1968
13-The beginnings of a vibrant ministry to lay and religious women
Father Murphy serves as the moderator of the Chicago Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women from 1968 to 1971.
Bishop Murphy shared the followin...
1973
8 September, 1973
14-Appointed rector of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary
John Cardinal Cody, Archbishop of Chicago, appoints Father Thomas J. Murphy as the fifth rector of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in September of 19...
1978
5 July, 1978
15-Elevated to the episcopacy
Pope Paul VI appoints the Very Reverend Thomas J. Murphy to be the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Great Falls, MT on July 5, 1978. It would be Pope...
8 July, 1978
16-The origins of "In Christ Joy and Hope"
In preparation for his ordination as bishop, the Very Reverend Thomas J. Murphy is given the unique honor of creating his coat of arms. The coat co...
21 August, 1978
17-Installed as bishop
The Very Reverend Thomas J. Murphy is installed as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Great Falls, MT on August 21, 1978 by the Most Reverend Corne...
1 September, 1978
18-A ubiquitous presence
Bishop Murphy truly embraced his role as shepherd. Being present to all the members of his flock was a top priority. He regularly traveled to the f...
1 September, 1978
19-A new and invigorating ministry to Native Americans
The Diocese of Great Falls, MT includes five Native American reservations. Inclusivity was one of the essential elements of Bishop Murphy’s minis...
1 September, 1978
20-A pioneer in advancing opportunities for women in the church
Bishop Murphy recognized and valued the innumerable ways religious and lay women make meaningful contributions to the church. He continually sought...
21-Seeking quality vocations to priesthood and religious life
Bishop Murphy possessed a fundamental awareness of the importance of cultivating quality vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He stated...
1 September, 1978
22-Establishing and nurturing a personal relationship with his flock
Despite the vast size of the Diocese of Great-Falls-Billings, MT, Bishop Murphy constantly worked to develop personal relationships with all the me...
1 September, 1978
23-An ardent advocate for the mission of Catholic schools and religious education
Bishop Murphy fervently believed in the value of Catholic schools and religious education to the community. He devoted much time, energy and resour...
1979
28 January, 1979
24-First confirmation
Celebrating the sacrament of confirmation offered a very unique and powerful way for Bishop Murphy to make a meaningful connection with and leave a...
1 February, 1979
25-Creating new and innovative ways to tend to his flock
Bishop Murphy made it a priority to remain continuously present to the laity, religious men and women and priests of the Church of Eastern Montana....
26-Initial celebration of the sacrament of holy orders
Bishop Murphy conferred the sacrament of holy orders for the first time on Rev. Mr. Thomas Beggin on May 25, 1979 in St. Pius X Church in Billings....
9 October, 1979
27-Challenging young people to hear the call to a vocation
Bishop Murphy focused relentlessly on vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He knew full well that the very future of the church depended...
1980
15 April, 1980
28-Celebrating the Eucharist – a call to unify the Roman Catholic faith community
Bishop Murphy viewed the celebration of the Eucharist as our greatest treasure within the church. It serves as a gathering point, a convergence of ...
29-The parish community – the foundation of the church
Bishop Murphy strongly believed in the foundational importance of the parish to the local community, the diocese and the universal church. He offe...
1 June, 1980
30-A new name for the Church of Eastern Montana
Bishop Murphy converts the diocese of Great Falls, MT into a dual see city diocese. The new name is the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, MT. Tradit...
1981
26 April, 1981
31-And justice for all
Bishop Murphy believed strongly that all of God’s sons and daughters were true gifts made in the image of their creator. In his view, each of the...
32-Accountable to his flock
Bishop Murphy instilled a deep sense of accountability in the diocesan staff to the priests, religious and laity of the Church of Eastern Montana.Â...
1983
12 April, 1983
33-25th anniversary of ordination
April 12, 1983 marked the 25th anniversary of Bishop Murphy’s ordination. Masses and celebrations of his silver jubilee were held St. Ann Cathedr...
22 May, 1983
34-A meaningful outreach to young people
One of the most vibrant elements of Bishop Murphy’s priestly life was his ministry to young people. His outreach emphasized relaying the message ...
1 August, 1983
35-Inaugural ad limina visit with Pope John Paul II
Bishop Murphy traveled to Vatican City for his first ad limina visit with Pope John Paul II in August of 1983. The term “ad limina†is a Latin ...
25 September, 1983
36-A steadfast caretaker of the gift of life from conception to natural death
Bishop Murphy was an unyielding defender of the sanctity of life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. He expressed the fol...
1986
20 September, 1986
37-A commitment to empowering the laity
In keeping with the sprit of the Second Vatican Council, Bishop Murphy’s vision for the church included a broad and meaningful role for the laity...
1987
26 May, 1987
38-Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle
The Vatican conducted a visitation and review of the Archdiocese of Seattle in 1985. At the conclusion of the evaluation, Pope John Paul II appoint...
13 July, 1987
39-Welcome Mass
Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen celebrates a Welcome Mass for Coadjutor Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy at St. James Cathedral on July 13, 1987.
Du...
40-The Archdiocese of Seattle charts a new course forward
Archbishop Murphy forged a strong partnership with Archbishop Hunthausen. Together, they brought the Vatican review and oversight process of the Ar...
1 August, 1987
41-Catholic schools mission - sharing the Gospel message
Archbishop Murphy was a fervent supporter of Catholic education. He believed that Catholic schools were an essential link in the chain to pass on t...
1 August, 1987
42-The parish – where we find God and God finds us
Archbishop Murphy viewed the parish community as the foundation upon which the church is built. He preached constantly the importance of vibrant pa...
1988
1 September, 1988
43-Holy Cross High School of Everett, Washington opens its doors
Archbishop Murphy was a big believer in the value of Catholic education. He felt very strongly how Catholic schools play a meaningful role in shapi...
1990
17 March, 1990
44-A son of Ireland
Archbishop Murphy’s parents left Ireland and came to America in search of opportunity and the hope of achieving the American dream. His mother an...
45-The good steward
Archbishop Murphy was a pioneer in the concept of stewardship. His passion and commitment to this concept was deep and unwavering. The United State...
1991
18 June, 1991
46-Archbishop Hunthausen announces his retirement
Archbishop G. Raymond Hunthausen announced his retirement on June 18, 1991. He faithfully served as the leader of the Church of Western Washington ...
21 August, 1991
47-Third Archbishop of Seattle
The Most Reverend Thomas J. Murphy is installed as the third Archbishop of Seattle in St. James Cathedral on August 21, 1991.
At the time of his...
22 August, 1991
48-Connolly House – a home where all are welcome
The Most Reverend Thomas Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle from 1951 to 1975, lived in a First Hill mansion owned by the archdiocese from the time of...
49-Giving thanks for the presence of lay and religious women
Archbishop Murphy continued his commitment to create and maintain meaningful roles for lay and religious women in the church during his time in Sea...
1 September, 1991
50-Establishing a meaningful and rich ministry to Native Americans
Continuing a ministry he established during his tenure as Bishop of Great Falls-Billings, MT, Archbishop Murphy made it a high priority to be prese...
1 September, 1991
51-Vocations – laying the foundation for the future of the Archdiocese of Seattle
Archbishop Murphy deeply loved the priesthood. Many family, friends and associates often remarked that he was born to be a priest. He was intimatel...
52-A voice of reason in opposing physician-assisted suicide
Initiative 119, a legislative effort to legalize physician-assisted suicide, was placed on a statewide ballot in 1991. Archbishop Murphy ardently s...
1992
23 April, 1992
53-Greeting the future of the church at confirmation
Conferring the sacrament of confirmation was one of the most vibrant parts of Archbishop Murphy’s ministry. He truly relished the opportunity to ...
14 May, 1992
54-Seeking an end to all forms of violence
Archbishop Murphy viewed all forms of violence, especially racism, as a threat to the gift of life and a denial of basic human dignity. He cited t...
18 June, 1992
55-First conferral of holy orders as Archbishop of Seattle
The ordination of priests was one of the most meaningful aspects of Archbishop Murphy’s ministry. He conferred the sacrament of holy orders for t...
29 June, 1992
56-Receiving the pallium from Pope John Paul II
Archbishop Murphy traveled to the Vatican to receive the pallium from Pope John Paul II. The pallium is a reminder of the ministry of the Good Shep...
57-A tireless advocate for the poor and downtrodden
Archbishop Murphy announces a $6 million plan to fight poverty, hunger and homelessness in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. A centra...
13 July, 1992
58-Protecting and nurturing the gift of life at Elizabeth House
The sanctity of the gift of life was a major point of focus throughout Archbishop Murphy’s priestly ministry. This was most evident when it came ...
3 October, 1992
59-Turning 60 – reflections on life and the church
Archbishop Murphy celebrated his 60th birthday on October 3, 1992. He took the opportunity to share some poignant thoughts on life and the church i...
17 December, 1992
60-Stewardship: A Disciple's Response - a landmark pastoral letter
Archbishop Murphy, as chair of the of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee on Stewardship, led the effort to draft the...
1993
4 April, 1993
61-A voice for the troubled timber communities in Western Washington
The timber industry in the Pacific Northwest fell victim to a catastrophic downturn in the early 1990s. Many timber communities in Western Washingt...
15 September, 1993
62-A journey to the Vatican for the ad limina visit
Archbishop Murphy traveled to the Vatican to provide Pope John Paul II with a report on the Archdiocese of Seattle. This journey is called the “a...
1994
1 January, 1994
63-Elected Treasurer of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Archbishop Murphy was elected to a two-year term as the Treasurer of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was an active member of ...
8 March, 1994
64-Replanting Lives Program – the essence of the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church
Actions speak louder than words. This quote so aptly describes Archbishop Murphy’s ministry. The archbishop developed the Replanting Lives Progra...
65-Urging the faithful to embrace the healing powerful of reconciliation
Archbishop Murphy consistently urged all the faithful to take advantage of the gift of the sacrament of reconciliation. He characterized reconcilia...
26 May, 1994
66-Offering young people the gift of faith
Archbishop Murphy placed a high degree of importance on finding meaningful ways to engage children, teenagers and young adults in the Gospel and th...
2 June, 1994
67-The Eucharist – the summit of Christian worship
Archbishop Murphy viewed the celebration of the Eucharist as central to our identity as Catholics. He said, “The Eucharist creates and celebrates...
22 December, 1994
68-Renovation of St. James Cathedral
St. James Cathedral is the principal church of the Archdiocese of Seattle. It contains the seat or chair of the archbishop. The cathedral underwent...
1995
69-The birth of “A New Wind and Fireâ€
Archbishop Murphy in conjunction with the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council published a five-year vision statement for the Church of Western Washington...
1996
70-Respecting the dignity and value of every human being
Archbishop Murphy was an unrelenting advocate for the gift of life. He believed with every fiber of his being that all of God’s people should be ...
71-Archbishop Murphy is diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia
After enduring several days of severe flu-like symptoms at the end of November, Archbishop Murphy is rushed to Providence Seattle Medical Center. A...
1997
72-Archbishop Murphy is discharged from Providence Seattle Medical Center
After undergoing 39 days of intensive treatment at Providence Seattle Medical Center, Archbishop Murphy is discharged from the hospital the week of...
73-Expressing gratitude for an anonymous gift of life
After his release from the hospital, Archbishop Murphy’s condition required that he receive transfusions of blood and platelets every 7-10 days. ...
74-A profile of faith and courage
Archbishop Murphy lived out his final days with a deep faith in the Lord and unwavering courage in the face of a life-threatening disease. He resum...
10 February, 1997
75-World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Archbishop Murphy made his public return to ministry on February 10, 1997. He presided at the celebration of Mass at St. James Cathedral to commemo...
76-Holy Cross High School students donate blood in honor of Archbishop Murphy
Archbishop Murphy played a material role in the founding of Holy Cross High School in Everett, WA. As a sign of gratitude for his unwavering assis...
7 June, 1997
77-A final opportunity to confer the sacrament of holy orders
The sacrament of holy orders was one which Archbishop Murphy truly cherished. He had the privilege of ordaining David Mayovsky, Kurt Nagel and Ja...
14 June, 1997
78-A last chance to minister to young people
Archbishop Murphy knew full well the very serious nature of his disease. He viewed each new day as a true gift – one to be lived to the fullest. ...
25 June, 1997
79-Cherished roles - brother, uncle and grand uncle
Archbishop Murphy fulfilled many different roles thoughout his life. Some of the ones he cherished most were that of being a brother, uncle and gre...
26 June, 1997
80-Called home to the Lord
Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy died in Providence Seattle Medical Center on June 26, 1997.
A column on the Opinion page of the June 27, 1997 editio...
81-The shepherd travels to his flock one last time
Archbishop Murphy was well aware of the serious nature of his illness. As a result, he had the opportunity to plan the events that would take place...
82-High school students stand in honor to their fallen archbishop
In a fitting tribute, groups of four students representing all of the Catholic high schools in the archdiocese and many of the area’s Catholic-ba...
3 July, 1997
83-Mass of the Resurrection and burial
The Mass of the Resurrection took place in St. James Cathedral on July 3, 1997. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fitting way to commemorate the li...
1999
1 July, 1999
84-Holy Cross High School changes its name to Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School
Archbishop Murphy played a material role in the founding of Holy Cross High School in Everett, WA. He placed a high level of importance on minister...