KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Diocese of Kalamazoo has announced the passing of the Most Reverend James Murray.
Murray served as Bishop of the Diocese from 1998 to 2009 and passed away quietly in his sleep on Friday. He was 87.
Murray had been in declining health. He would have celebrated his 88th birthday on July 5th.
Funeral masses will take place Wednesday and Thursday at St Augustine’s Cathedral on West Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo, and a memorial mass is being planned for later when current restrictions are lifted.
In a written statement on Friday, Reverend Paul J. Bradley, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, stated, “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our beloved Bishop Murray. He would have celebrated the 62nd anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood this coming Sunday, June 7, 2020. I was grateful to be able to visit him yesterday and relay how grateful we all are to him for his leadership as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, and since his retirement, for his wonderful priestly example of providing pastoral assistance wherever and whenever he could, and for being such an exemplary priest and bishop of Jesus Christ.”
On Tuesday, June 9, a link to Murray’s life story and funeral arrangements was released.
Reception of The Most Rev. Murray’s body will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, located at 542 W. Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo.
He will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with Solemn Vespers, for diocesan and visiting clergy at 5 p.m. The praying of the Rosary, led by Msgr. Michael Hazard, will be at 7:30 p.m.
Visitation will continue on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 11, 2 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, located at 2003 Mt. Olivet Road., immediately following Mass.
Funeral plans and Murray’s life story can both be viewed at this link.
