PRESS RELEASE
7 NOVEMBER 2003
IRISH PRIEST APPOINTED CHAPLAIN
TO POPE JOHN PAUL II
Issued by the Catholic Communications Office on behalf of the Diocese of Cloyne
Rev. Joseph Murphy, a Priest of the Diocese of Cloyne has been appointed
Chaplain to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. The appointment took effect
on the 1st of November 2003.
Monsignor Murphy, a native of the Parish of Donoughmore in the Diocese of
Cloyne, after his Second level studies in St. Colman’s College, Fermoy,
entered St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1986 to begin his studies for
the Priesthood. Having finished his primary degree studies in Maynooth
with a First Class Honours Degree, Joseph was sent to the Pontifical Irish
College in Rome to continue his studies for Priesthood in 1989. In 1991
he transferred to the Pontifical French College in Rome while continuing
his theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Joseph Murphy was ordained to the Priesthood in his native Parish of
Donoughmore by the Bishop of Cloyne, the Most Rev. John Magee, on the
11th of July 1993. After his ordination, Father Joseph engaged in post-
graduate studies at the Gregorian University taking his Licentiate in
Sacred Theology. He is continuing his studies towards a Doctorate in
Sacred Theology.
In September 1997 Father Joseph entered the service of the Holy See
becoming an Official of the Secretariat of State of the Holy Father.
In January 2002 Father Joseph Murphy was appointed Private Secretary
to his Eminence, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State to His
Holiness, Pope John Paul II.
With his present appointment as Chaplain to His Holiness the Bishop,
Priests, Religious and lay-faithful of the Diocese are truly overjoyed
and wish Monsignor Joseph Murphy many, many years of continued service
of the Universal Church and fruitful ministry as a Priest of the Diocese
of Cloyne.
Ends
7th November 2003
Further information:
Catholic Communications Office: (01) 505 3000
Fr Martin Clarke: (087) 220 8044
Ms Brenda Drumm: (087) 233 7797
