Lehigh Valley chaplain’s enduring love affair with Christ sustains and energizes him

Monsignor John P. Murphy, 84, has been chaplain of the Lehigh Valley Chapter in Pennsylvania for nearly 12 years. Born in Shenandoah, PA, he attended Catholic schools and entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary outside Philadelphia, where he distinguished himself academically. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown in 1964. He was pastor at Allentown’s Immaculate Conception BVM Parish and then at St. Thomas More Parish there where he served 41 years until his retirement in 2021. He also has served in a variety of other diocesan roles, including director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

It’s quite unusual today to serve 41 years pastoring a single parish. Why were you at St. Thomas More so long?

[Laughing] They must have liked me. They didn’t want to let me go!
What do you find most rewarding and most difficult about the priesthood?
If I had to designate one single thing I found rewarding, I would say that I loved talking about Jesus Christ, telling people how deeply I am committed to His mission and sharing His message. But it is difficult for me to point to anything ‘difficult!’ I loved being a pastor; I have loved being a priest. My parishioners knew and appreciated that. For years I worked without a day off, morning to night, because I loved Jesus Christ and believe it is an honor to serve His mission.

What advice would you offer a newly ordained priest?

Love your Savior. Be grateful for your mission. Give thanks for the people that you serve. Don’t look upon them for one minute as a burden. They are a gift.

How has the Church changed during your lifetime?

The world has changed a lot. People’s attitudes have changed a lot. Many find it difficult to follow the path of Christ. There are many challenges for them to overcome. However, we need to say it over and over: Trust in Christ. Follow Christ. Live in Christ. Walk with Christ. We say it to them because we believe it. It is important for them to embrace.

What are your retirement plans?

I want to stay as active as I can. I did not seek retirement. While I am not putting anyone down who takes a day off, by nature I am a workaholic. I rejoice in being able to get up in the pulpit and look out at the people of God, telling them to live in Christ, to walk with Christ, and to follow Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

A 2018 grand jury report alleged abuse by hundreds of Pennsylvania priests, including some in Allentown. What are your thoughts?

When a man has been endowed with the privilege of being a priest, he must live out that priesthood and not scandalize or harm anyone in any way. We are disciples of Christ, just as were Peter and the other apostles. We are called to be His faithful followers. We must do our best, and not do anything to minimize the importance of following Christ or be an obstacle in the people coming closer to Him.

What has been your experience with Legatus?

I am grateful to my bishop for allowing me to continue as Legatus chaplain despite my retirement. Our Chapter members meet regularly to discuss aspects of our faith, looking for opportunities to grow. The Chapter is filled with good people who are anxious to do good work and willing to make sacrifices. They want to make the world more Christlike. It is a joy to work with them.