Bernard James Elmer Murphy (December 10, 1874 – February 18, 1942) was the third abbot of Mt. Angel Abbey in Oregon.

Biography

He was born in Portland, Oregon, the son of James J. Murphy, originally of Boston, and Mary Fitzgerald, a native of Oregon. After graduating from high school in Portland, he entered Mt. Angel Abbey and received the name Bernard as his monk's name. He was sent to Rome for theologicals studies at the Pontifical Atheneum of St. Anselm and ordained there by Cardinal Francesco di Paola Cassetta in 1898.[1]

He returned to Oregon in 1900 and served in the seminary, whose director he became (1903–1906); he was then president of Mt. Angel College (1908–1910). In October, 1921, he was elected abbot.[2]

He went blind in 1932 and was given a coadjutor abbot, Thomas Meier, in 1934. Meier became his successor as abbot on February 18, 1942.[3]

He was the first abbot who was born in the US and to speak English as his mother tongue; he had travelled extensively during his studies and thereafter, visiting famous abbeys.

References

  1. ↑ "Obituary". The Capital Journal. Salem, Oregon. February 19, 1942. p. 16.
  2. ↑ Rippinger, Joel (2020). Struggle and ascent: the history of Mount Angel Abbey. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press. pp. 62–64. ISBN 978-0-8146-6503-9.
  3. ↑ "Many Attend Burial Rites For Mt. Angel Blind Abbot". Statesman Journal. Salem, Oregon. February 24, 1942. p. 7.


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