Papal award for Murphy
Aman honoured by the Pope for his service to the Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North says it is recognition for the work of the entire church.
Tony Murphy was awarded the title Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great for his service to the church at a ceremony at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North, on Tuesday, a title awarded by Pope Francis.
Murphy was the manager of the diocese for 18 years where he worked locally and nationally, but retired at the end of last year.
‘‘Across the diocese there are a lot of unsung heroesmaking our community, making our parish, making our country a better place by what they’re doing.
‘‘I felt I was being recognised for something I was being paid to do. This is a recognition not just of me, but for the work of the diocese for the past 20 years.’’
Murphy’s role at the diocese included supervising staffing, coordinating chaplaincies and being an adviser to parish councils, finance committees and school boards of trustees.
With the national Catholic Church, he was amember of the New Zealand Bishops Federation finance committee, a committee member for the New Zealand
Catholic Insurance Scheme and an executive chairman for a committee establishing a new Catholic Education Office in Palmerston North.
Cardinal John Dew said Murphy had a reputation for being kind, friendly, supportive and someone who listened.
‘‘It wasn’t just for the work Tony did, it was the way he did it, his personal character and reputation. The wonderful way Tony interacted with people in Palmerston North.’’
Peter Cullinane, the former long-time bishop of Palmerston North, said the award recognised outstanding service to the church.
‘‘Tony’s service goes well beyond anything that’s normally written in a job description.
‘‘He combined professional skills and common sense with good judgment and compassion.’’
The Order of Saint Gregory the Great was established in 1831 to honour citizens of papal states and is given to people who are distinguished for personal character and reputation and for notable accomplishments.