Mass, tree-planting ceremony honor Murphy's memory
By JASON McFARLEY
News Editor
Conor Murphy would have turned 21 on Tuesday. A small plaque in front of a freshly planted tree on North Quad relates that fact.
In neat block lettering, it reads simply: "In memory of Conor Murphy. March 20, 1980 to January 31, 2001."
The Notre Dame community honored Murphy, a University junior who died of complications of leukemia, with an intimate tree-planting ceremony Thursday, just minutes before a larger turnout remembered him at a memorial mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
The Mass brought together Murphy's family, friends and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the former Zahm Hall resident's life and contributions.
"It's hard to know what to say when a good person dies young," University President Father Edward Malloy said to a crowd of several hundred that included Murphy's parents and two sisters and filled nearly all of the church's pews. "And yet we are sure that Conor has been welcomed into the loving, consoling arms of God."
Murphy, of Lakewood, Ohio, was diagnosed with leukemia last March. He underwent a bone marrow transplant in the summer but didn't return to campus in August. By late-January, Murphy had developed pneumonia, to which he eventually succumbed.
At Tuesday's Mass, Father Jim Lies, Murphy's former rector, praised Murphy as a model of courage and faith.
"Conor showed tremendous bravery and trust in God during his battle with leukemia, and that touched something in all of us," said Lies, who remained in close contact with Murphy's family throughout Murphy's final days. "In some sense, we gathered here to thank Conor for that, to thank God for the gift that Conor was to us."
Never was Murphy's faith and strength of character more evident than when he was diagnosed with the disease, Lies said.
He said after learning of his illness, Murphy first's step was to see a priest in confession. Murphy then contacted Lies and asked him to light a candle for him in the Grotto.
Lies said Murphy also showed a profound maturity when he was concerned about breaking the news to his friends.
"It amazed me how much courage he showed and how much he thought about others first," Lies said.
In light of Murphy's 21st birthday and the season of Lent, Lies said it was fitting that the community remember Murphy now. He called Murphy's death "a defining moment in the lives of many," and called on gatherers to recognize the need for each other and God.
"Recall how greatly blessed you were to have known him. Let his life charge you to live yours with courage and faith," Lies said.
The Mass followed the brief tree dedication Tuesday.
Against the backdrop of students reading or playing frisbee on North Quad on the warm afternoon, about 60 people attended the ceremony on the Zahm Hall lawn.
Community members sang and prayed in honor of Murphy and then lined up to sprinkle holy water on the leafless tree.
The services for Murphy on Tuesday didn't represent the first time the community has showed its support for him.
Following word of his declining health, on Jan. 30 several hundred students attended a Mass in the Zahm Hall chapel.
After his death, the University provided transportation for students to his funeral in Ohio.
At Murphy's urging, last March more than 600 people joined the National Marrow Donor Program at a drive held on campus.
Murphy was the second member of the Class of 2002 to die of complications from cancer this year. Brionne Clary, also a leukemia victim, died Sept. 21.
All News Stories for Friday, March 23, 2001
