Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Murphy, Brian

Philosopher, teacher, pastor; born Hawthorn, Victoria, 19 February 1924; died Sydney, 29 July 1992, aged 68.

Brian Murphy was the eldest of three children. He entered the Society, 21 February 1941, at the age of 16. He was a gifted student at school, spending an average of six months in each class. He received a scholarship to attend St Patrick's College, East Melbourne, and was both a prefect and dux of the college in his final year.

After his novitiate Murphy spent another seven years at Loyola College, Watsonia, studying philosophy and completing an external university degree. Despite a bout of tuberculosis, he graduated with honours in English and French and then taught for three years at St Louis School, Perth, where he also edited the school magazine The Eagle. In 1953 he went to Canisius College, Pymble, for theology studies, and was ordained in 1955.

After tertianship in Sevenhill in 1957, Murphy went to Corpus Christi College, Werribee, where he taught philosophy, English literature, and preaching, among other subjects. He was also minister at the college. He endeared himself to the seminarians with his courtesy and thoughtfulness. He developed a love for gardens and birds, and was a genial host to visitors, humble and unassuming.

In 1969 Murphy went to Canberra with Cornelius Finn to a new community for Jesuit university students. He had five years in Canberra, and served as superior of two Jesuit communities. He took his care of the scholastics seriously. He also did some post-graduate studies in English, and was involved with ecumenism and spiritual direction.

This experience of university life led, then, to two appointments as university chaplain, in Perth for three years and in Hobart for four. In Perth, he was remembered for bringing a dimension of prayer to the students, and was sought after as a spiritual guide and counselor. In Hobart, he was praised for his establishment of university groups.

In 1981 Murphy returned to his roots, as parish priest and superior of the parish of Hawthorn. While at Hawthorn he renovated the spire of the church, transformed the area surrounding St Joseph's Church into hostel accommodation for the elderly citizens of Hawthorn, and fostered the growth of St Joseph's School. He also empowered the laity for Church leadership, and had sound ecumenical relationships within Hawthorn.

For many years he was involved with the Charismatic movement and the inner healing ministry, as well as promoting renewal and development of small Christian groups.

He remained at Hawthorn for seven years, until 1988, when he went to St Mary's, North Sydney. On 27 September 1990 he was sent to Canisius College to recover from heart surgery. From that time his health deteriorated and he eventually died of cancer the following year at St Vincent's Hospital.

Murphy was experienced as a man of fidelity who found decision-making difficult. His faithfulness and dedication to tasks expected of him was obvious to all. He was always a gentle and kind man, generous and welcoming; a smile put people at ease. However, he was also shy and reserved, a private person who rarely if ever, spoke about himself in the past, present or future. In his last illness he showed peace and courage.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)