People from all walks of life converged on Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Makurdi to celebrate the last missionary in the Diocese, Very Rev. Father Michael Murphy, Vicar General and Parish Priest of St. Dominic’s Sachi, Markurdi Diocese as he marked 60 years of his priestly ordination few days ago. In his homily, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe said it was the celebration of God’s goodness in the life of Fr. Murphy who is also the last man standing among the early missionaries in the diocese. Bishop Anagbe described the Vicar General as one who lives a life of self sacrifice saying the early missionaries came when there were no social amenities and called on Christians especially the clergy to be faithful in their service to God and His people. Speaking, Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom said Fr. Murphy is an epitome of humility and dedication to the task of evangelism. For his part, the celebrant, Very Rev. Father Michael Murphy expressed gratitude to God for bringing him to Nigeria and preserving him through the years as well as thanked the diocesan family for the honour done to him.
He appealed to the people to learn to never say no to God in whatever circumstances. The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius kaigama, Bishop of Gboko Diocese and Administrator, Sede Vacante of katsina Ala Diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya and Bishop of Makurdi concelebrated the Mass. High point of the celebration was a grand reception in his honour. Very Rev father Michael Murphy Cssp, who is of Irish origin was born in July 1932, ordained in 1960 and was posted to Nigeria in 1961 and got his first posting to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Korinya in present day Gboko Diocese and worked in many parishes. -He is currently the parish priest of St Dominic’s Sachi in Makurdi Diocese.
