BY SUSAN STEVENOT SULLIVAN

Rev. Mr. John Murphy returned to the church of his baptism and first Eucharist in Cabra West, Dublin, Ireland, for his priestly ordination May 27.

Both the day and the mood were warm and bright, according to Father Don Kenny, chancellor and vocations director, when Rev. Mr. Murphy was ordained by Bishop James Moriarity, auxiliary bishop of Dublin, at The Most Precious Blood Church.

Rev. Mr. Murphy prostrated himself on the bottom tier of the steps leading to the altar in the modern, spacious church where he had served as an altar boy. His brothers and sisters were in the first pew. Behind them were Father Patrick Mulhern and several parishioners form St. Thomas More in Decatur.

Following the ordination Mass, Father Murphy thanked the people there, his family and his late parents, Father Kenny said, “because it was through them that the faith grew and brought him to this day.”

The ordination was followed by a sit-down dinner for 100 people held 20 minutes away in Finglas, a suburb of Dublin. Speeches made during the dinner included comments from Father Kenny about how much he admired Father Murphy’s honesty.

“John has got a great gift of listening to people,” Father Kenny said in an interview after he returned to the archdiocese. “Also a great concern for those who are in need in society. There’s a kindness and compassion in him that is very much visible. I think that’s the greatest thing he will bring.

Father Murphy celebrated his first Mass the following day at the same church. Father Kenny commented that Father Murphy had a wonderful presence at the liturgy.

“He was one of the most composed (new priests) that I have seen in my time as vocation director,” Father Kenny said.

The first Mass was followed by a reception at the church hall.

Rev. Mr. Murphy completed his seminary studies at St. John’s College in Waterford, Ireland, a diocesan seminary. He served two summers at St. Thomas More and has been assigned there. He plans to arrive in the United States in late June.

Father Kenny expects two seminarians to be ordained in Ireland next year for priesthood in Atlanta. The archdiocese will have approximately 60 seminarians in formation in 1995.