Msgr. Murray

Msgr. William Celestine Murray died Thursday, February 25, 2016 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Msgr. Murray was born on April 3, 1931 in Waterford, Ireland to William and Mary Murray. He received his seminary training at St. John's College in Waterford where he was ordained on June 19, 1955 at the Waterford Cathedral. Rev. Murray was invested as a Monsignor on January 5, 2005. With dedication and dignity Msgr. Murray served the Diocese of Corpus Christi for 60 years. Msgr. Murray served as pastor and associate pastor in many parishes throughout the diocese, including Christ the King (Corpus Christi), Our Lady of Refuge Parish (Refugio), St. John of the Cross Parish (Orange Grove), St. John Neumann Parish (Laredo), St. Frances of Rome Parish (Agua Dulce), Immaculate Conception (Goliad), St. Gertrude Parish (Kingsville), Sacred Heart (Rockport), St. Elizabeth Parish (Alice) St. Therese of the Little Flower (Woodsboro) and St. Anthony (Violet). Msgr. Murray taught religion at Incarnate Word High School; served on the Conference of Christians and Jews; was Dean of the Kingsville and Refugio Deanery; served as director of Catholic Boy Scouts; was on the National Committee on Scouting; was a Pro-Synodal Examiner; served on the Senate of Priests; was an advocate of the Diocesan Tribunal; served on the Priest Personnel Board; served on the Presbyteral Council; served as chaplain of the Serra Club in Kingsville; and was a member of the Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Msgr. Murray was a Knight of Columbus member for over 55 years. He became a fourth degree Knight on June 1, 1987. He served as a chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council 1202. Services for Msgr. Murray will be held at St. Anthony Parish in Violet. A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2016; Mass of Christian burial with Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey as Celebrant will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Burial will be in the St. Anthony Cemetery following the Funeral Mass.