A Testimony of Paul Murphy, MJ

Reprinted from the November 2007 issue of Miles Jesu Monthly

My name is George. I reside in a nursing home called The Nazareth House, which located at the site of the first California Church: San Diego de Alcala. After my navy service during the war, I returned to the University of Notre Dame and obtained an architectural degree in 1947, moved to Phoenix, Arizona, obtained a license and began a practice.

Paul too, in 1961, graduated from Notre Dame’s School of Architecture. It was apparently right after his service in the Navy, about 1964, that Paul came to the office of Walsh and Oberg looking for work. Seeing “Notre Dame” on his resume, he was welcomed immediately for an interview. It did not take but a few minutes to recognize that this handsome young man’s most outstanding characteristic was his devotion to God and to His Service. He was hired on the spot!

Paul was a devoted, capable, architectural assistant, helping on such projects as St. Joachim’s Church in Sun City, Arizona, two Catholic high schools, the College of Education at Arizona State University, and, most importantly, the Phoenix Cursillo Center. After Fr. Duran determined “round,” Paul and I designed the concept. Then, Paul was named project manager for it. He was a joy to have in the office both for me and his fellow workers –– always jovial, with a big smile and kindness to everyone.

He spoke little of his after-hours activities, but I knew, having had many spirited talks with him, that those hours were spent in the service of God and God’s people. From my perspective, all the good things said about him in the book A Man to Move Hearts – respecting his love for Jesus, Mary and his fellow humans – are true to the utmost.

My wife, four daughters and I moved on after the Cursillo project to practice in San Diego, Florida, and other places. On the day we moved from Phoenix, Paul and Fr. Duran showed up at the door with the gift of a Bible for us. I inscribed at the front of the Bible “from Fr. Duran and Paul Murphy on the day we left Phoenix Aug. 27, 1968.” That book is still on my desk today (used) and is a reminder of my love for Paul and his devotion to God and the Blessed Mother.

I knew not of Paul’s passing as I was in Florida at the time building a “Sea World” Park. But now, in my passing days, I am more convinced than ever that Paul Murphy is truly a saint. May he be acknowledged.

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