Fr. Murray & Fr. Elliott
When I started living in US, Fr. Murray and Fr. Elliott greatly helped me adjust well into the American culture and the rectory life. Fr. Murray was the pastor of St. Brendan in NorthOlmsted and Fr. Elliott was a retired priest from San Diego. They were at the Cleveland seminary together and good friends since then. Fr. Murray was like a father to me through his generosity; Fr. Elliott was like a great uncle through his teaching.
I have been around them eight years. Both priests have shared the joy of priesthood intellectually, emotionally and socially. It was Fr. Murray who took me to the Irish festival in Berea and watched many Indians games with me. It was Fr. Elliott who showed me the inspirational example of priestly life that was well balanced. I owed a lot to them to learn about priesthood. Without them, I cannot see who I am now.
As we met a week ago to celebrate my birthday, I felt really blessed to be with these great men who have dedicated their lives to serve God and God’s people. They are my teachers, brother priests, and friends who have accompanied me throughout my eight-year journey.
Fr. Murray and Fr. Elliott are the twenty-fourth Christ.