Scottish Catholic Observer

Catholics across Scotland have been mourning Bishop Ian Murray, former Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, after his death last Friday, aged 83.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, lead the tributes, saying: “On behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland I would like to offer Bishop Murray’s family our deepest and most prayerful sympathies.

“During his active years as a bishop, Ian Murray played a full part in the life and work of the Bishops’ Conference contributing with humanity, faith and humour to everything that we did. He will be sorely missed. May God rest his generous soul.”

The Scottish bishops were gathered in session at the Royal Scots College in Salamanca, Spain, when they heard the news. It was an institution to which Bishop Murray had a lifelong bond as both student and, subsequently, rector. The bishops of Scotland celebrated a Mass for him in the college last Saturday morning.

“When we heard the sad news this afternoon, Archbishop Tartaglia immediately halted proceedings and we paused to pray for the repose of Bishop Murray’s soul,” Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh said. “Ian Murray was a happy priest, a good bishop and a father to his people with a particular corner of his heart for the students of the Royal Scots College in Spain.”

Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell, who is also a former rector of the college and who followed Bishop Murray as Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, said: “We will remember Bishop Murray with great fondness both as Emeritus Bishop of Argyll and the Isles and also his wonderful contribution to the Royal Scots College in Spain.

“We ask God to grant him eternal rest after his fruitful and happy ministry as a priest and bishop in Scotland—and we appreciate all that he did for the Church in our country over the past 60 years of his priesthood.”

Bishop-elect Brian McGee of Argyll and the Isles said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Bishop Ian Murray, I will pray for the repose of his soul while I am in Rome and join with so many others across Scotland, mourning his loss.”

SCIAF Director Alistair Dutton said: “We are extremely sad to hear Bishop Ian Murray has passed away. May he rest in peace! Bishop Murray was an active member of SCIAF’s board from June 2004 to December 2012, and played an important role in making SCIAF a reflection of the Scottish Catholic community’s love, generosity and solidarity with people affected by poverty and injustice overseas. With heartfelt gratitude, we pray for the repose of his soul and consolation for his family and friends.”

Funeral arrangements for the late Bishop Right Reverend Ian Murray RIP, released after the SCO went to press this week, are as follows:

Wednesday February 3, 7.00pm Reception of Remains and Vespers, St Columba’s Cathedral, Oban;
Thursday February 4, 7.00pm Vespers, St Columba’s Cathedral, Oban (the Cathedral will be open during the day so that the faithful can pay their respects);
Friday February 5, 11.00am Requiem Mass, St Columba’s Cathedral, Oban and burial thereafter at Pennyfuir Cemetery, Oban in accordance with the wishes of his family.

There will be a month’s mind Mass for Bishop Murray at St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Edinburgh at 12.45pm on February 22.

—[email protected]

Pic: PAUL McSHERRY

—This story ran in full in the January 29 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.