Chris Perry Column: It's A Beautiful Life

I am not a religious man.

I wish I was more of one.

As you get older, I suspect that it’s probably a familiar regret for many.

I was raised a Protestant, and as a young boy, I was always seated in the second row at Trinity Church on Sunday morning. I think my mom selected that pew knowing Reverend Sylvia could keep a close eye on me and my brothers plus we all knew our escape routes were now eliminated.

Like most of you, I have been blessed to share in an occasional baptism or confirmation, a blessing or two, a few weddings, and the inevitable funerals. My limited religious experiences on Nantucket have been primarily positive bouncing back and forth sporadically between St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s while always admiring Nantucket’s beautiful skyline of the Unitarian and Congregational churches from the harbor.

Lately, however, I have noticed a different tone and presence in the “religious scene” on-island. Today, there is a different vibe coming from Main Street and the downtown area.

Is it a higher authority or divine intervention? It didn’t take long for me to hear and see the answer.

Meet Father John M. Murray of St. Mary’s Church.

Whether officiating a funeral, presiding over a wedding, fluently jumping back and forth between English and Spanish with some of his parishioners, or conducting “office hours” on a Main Street bench with Mary Adams, Barbara Kotalac, Jim Perelman, Barbara Jenkins, Julie Reinemo, Joe Kirby, Jeanette Topham, and Ritch Leone, Father Murray appears to be equally at peace with spreading the gospel as he seems to be at easing himself into the fabric of the Nantucket community.

Following in the footsteps of a long list of local, charismatic church leaders such as Father D. and Ted Anderson to name a few, “Father John” arrived in August of 2021 to take over at St. Mary’s after a brief spell by Father Kelleher.

My curiosity got the best of me. Even though I might be risking a trip to the confessional, I wanted to know: Who is this guy?

“You really don’t get the opportunity to pick your post, but thankfully, the Bishop in Fall River had faith in me and sent me to Nantucket. It’s just another example of how we are not in control. There is a higher authority,” professed Murray as we sat together outside St. Mary’s on a comfortable bench.

“I was born in Brockton - lived in Bridgewater - and my family was very religious. I remember my Lebanese grandmother, my aunt, my mom, and dad actively involved at St. Ann’s in Raynham. My dad was in line to be a Deacon; and as an 11-year-old, I was fortunate enough to attend Catholic school with my three younger sisters knowing it was a huge financial sacrifice for my parents,” Father Murray reminisced.

After graduating from Coyle Cassidy High School, Murray was accepted to St. John’s Seminary College and at that point, he was “starting to seriously think of the priesthood.”

Murray went on: “If I recall correctly, there were only 12 of us who entered St. John’s as freshmen but I remember positive reinforcement during those early years because the commitment was challenging. I remember constantly asking myself: ‘Is this for me’?”

Judging by the reaction of the dozens of people who strolled by and stopped to speak with Father John, it confirmed two things that I learned in a short time: John Murray made the right choice, but more importantly, there’s a new energetic spiritual leader in town.

Even though he had a lot to say, Murray was a great listener to everyone who paused and spoke with him. And when ready to respond, Father John spoke softly with patience, power, and passion to young and old - locals and visitors - Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

“Within a few weeks, he knew everyone,” said Sheriff Jim Perelman who stopped by to say hello.

Perelman couldn’t resist: “I remember one funny story when I was giving Father Murray and another guest a ride in my cruiser. Father Murray had to sit in the back seat. You should have seen the looks as I drove through town…”

Former Nantucket Police Department Lieutenant Jerry Adams, whose CJ 5 Jeep was blessed by Father Murray, added, “He instantly became a community leader with his passion and understanding. Father Murray is a special personality and he helps make this island’s community so unique.”

The longer I sat, watched, and listened, I could sense there was more. Knowing the commitment and sacrifices that are required, I asked: “Why church - why faith?”

“It is a lifelong commitment similar to marriage. It means an awfully lot of ‘no’s’ as the promise of obedience, celibacy, and prayer all have ramifications. But, I am blessed to be able to interact with all different people with powerful stories. I enter their lives - sad times and good times - and I search for the influence of Christ,” Murray offered.

He continued: “To be a priest of the Catholic Church who makes the bread of life available, it is the greatest joy of my life. God is good - we just have to trust”.

Father John Murray took a circuitous route to get to Nantucket. After spending eight years at St. John’s Seminary, Murray graduated in June of 1998 and was ordained a priest at 26 years old.

Bishop O’Malley, who later became Archbishop O’Malley out of Fall River and is about to retire, placed Father Murray in Wareham, Mass. After one year, Murray moved over to two different parishes in Fall River. From there, Father John was able to enjoy much of southeastern Massachusetts and preach at churches in Sandwich, Cape Cod Hospital as Chaplin, South Yarmouth, Attleboro, and finally Raynham for nine years before moving to Nantucket.

“I love this community. I am just a happy guy and everyone has been welcoming. I could not have found a better place. From Rabbi Gary Bretton-Grantor and the Interfaith Counsel to Clerk of the Works, Steve Hollister, and his crew who provided great leadership with St. Mary’s beautiful renovation to all of the members of Our Lady of the Isle, I am blessed.”

“What about staying here for a while as Father Kelleher only lasted three years?” I asked.

Murray responded, “Ultimately, it is up to the Bishop but I hope to stay for the next 20 years. What’s there not to like? But, I constantly remind myself, we are not in control. There is a higher authority but it’s a beautiful life.”

The parade of inquisitive familiar faces continued to gravitate to Father John throughout the morning. There was former Nantucket Fire Department captain Charlie Kymer and his two granddaughters, Zoe and Carla, who were visiting from New Jersey. They were all excited to tell Father John about their morning hot chocolate and the start of school in two weeks.

There was eight-year-old Chelsea Valenzuela and her friend, 11-year-old Pamela Rodriquez, who stopped to say hello. Father John quickly shifted to Spanish, leaving me in the dust, but despite not understanding a word, the mutual admiration and respect said it all.

It was clear. Our “interview” was not being interrupted as people routinely stopped to check-in. In fact, I was simply watching Father John pick up on numerous conversations at the drop of a hat that he started days, weeks, months ago without skipping a beat.

As we started to wrap up, Father John gave me a few parting words of encouragement and advice. I left feeling a little different. It’s hard to put it into words because, internally, I did my best to push back even though I will admit that we could all use a little “religion” in our lives right about now.

Walking up Main Street towards my truck, I kept hearing the words of St. Mary’s Sacristan, Vin DeBaggis, echoing in my head. He said, “Any man who devotes his life to the service of God and others is to be admired and respected. It is a tremendous sacrifice…”

You can’t argue with that.

While I’m not ready to get up early for the 8 a.m. service in St. Paul’s Memorial Garden or head over to the Congregational Church for their 9:30 gathering or wander up Orange Street to the Unitarian Church at 10:45 on Sunday, Father John Murray did make me pause and think.

And, if I happen to see Father Murray strolling down Main Street, I know I will listen.

At the very least, I owe him that.