• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Catholic Review

Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Menu
  • Home
  • News
        • Local News
        • World News
        • Vatican News
        • Obituaries
        • Featured Video
        • En Español
        • Sports News
        • Official Clergy Assignments
        • Schools News
  • Commentary
        • Contributors
          • Question Corner
          • George Weigel
          • Elizabeth Scalia
          • Michael R. Heinlein
          • Effie Caldarola
          • Guest Commentary
        • CR Columnists
          • Archbishop William E. Lori
          • Rita Buettner
          • Christopher Gunty
          • George Matysek Jr.
          • Mark Viviano
          • Father Joseph Breighner
          • Father Collin Poston
          • Robyn Barberry
          • Hanael Bianchi
          • Amen Columns
  • Entertainment
        • Events
        • Movie & Television Reviews
        • Arts & Culture
        • Books
        • Recipes
  • About Us
        • Contact Us
        • Our History
        • Meet Our Staff
        • Photos to own
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • CR Media platforms
        • Electronic Edition
  • Advertising
  • Shop
        • Purchase Photos
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • Magazine Subscriptions
        • Archdiocesan Directory
  • CR Radio
        • CR Radio
        • Protagonistas de Fe
  • News Tips
  • Subscribe
Xaverian Brother Thomas Murphy, who ministered to the poor for several years in Baltimore, died Dec. 12. He was 95. (Courtesy photo)

Xaverian Brother Thomas Murphy, who ministered to poor in Baltimore, dies at 95

January 5, 2024
By Catholic Review Staff
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Local News, News, Obituaries

Xaverian Brother Thomas Murphy, who ministered to the poor for several years in Baltimore, died Dec. 12. He was 95.

A funeral Mass was held for Brother Thomas in Danvers, Mass., Dec. 15.

After a career as an educator and a missionary in Kenya, Brother Thomas, who went by the religious name of Brother Gavin, did volunteer ministry, teaching English to immigrants as well as assisting the poor in Baltimore. 

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native entered Sacred Heart Novitiate in Fort Monroe, Va., in 1947 where he received the Xaverian habit and religious name Brother Gavin. In 1953, he graduated from the Catholic University of America with a bachelor of arts degree in Latin, French and social studies. Over the next several years, Brother Tom earned a master’s degree in religious studies at St. John’s University and did further studies in Spanish and education at Catholic University and at the University of Maryland. 

Late in life, he joined the Beechfield Community in Baltimore where he was the community animator and was involved in volunteer ministries. When Beechfield closed, he spent three years at Ryken House, a retirement home in Louisville, Ky., before transferring to Danvers in 2019. He spent his final days at Mary Immaculate in Lawrence, Mass.

He was predeceased by his two sisters and his brother. He is survived by several nieces and a nephew. 

Read More Obituaries

Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Agnes Rose McNally dies at 97

Sister Katherine O’Neil, I.H.M., dies at 84

Father John E. Lynch Jr., C.S.P, dies at 101

Jesuit Father Robert Hamm dies at 88

Dominican master recalls Cardinal Duka’s courage, perseverance in faith amid persecution

Dick Cheney dies at 84; his power, influence seen as ‘unmatched’ in history of vice presidency

Copyright © 2024 Catholic Review Media

Print Print

Primary Sidebar

Catholic Review Staff

Click here to view all posts from this author

For the latest news delivered twice a week via email or text message, sign up to receive our free enewsletter.

| MOST POPULAR |

  • Archbishop Lori announces clergy appointments, including pastor assignment and retirement

  • Pope Leo accepts resignation of Bishop Mulvey of Corpus Christi; names Bishop Avilés as successor

  • Catholic filmmaker investigates UFO mysteries at the Vatican

  • Diocese of Hong Kong mourns over 100 victims of devastating apartment complex fire

  • Though Nicaea is a ruin, its Creed stands and unites Christians, pope says

| Latest Local News |

Artist helps transform blight to beauty throughout Baltimore area 

Radio Interview: Advent and St. Nicholas

Archbishop Lori announces clergy appointments, including pastor assignment and retirement

Calvert Hall holds off Loyola Blakefield to claim a 28-24 victory in the 105th Turkey Bowl

Tears and prayers greet St. Thérèse relics in Towson

| Latest World News |

New coalition aims to end capital punishment as executions increase but public support wanes

Pope Leo’s childhood home in Chicago suburb now a historic landmark

Ukraine’s religious leaders warn Russia will attack Europe if not halted, held accountable

Unity, dialogue, respect: On first trip, pope highlights paths to peace

Buffalo bishop calls nation, Christians to ‘do better’ in upholding migrants’ dignity

| Catholic Review Radio |

Footer

Our Vision

Real Life. Real Faith. 

Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond.

Our Mission

Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform, teach, inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media.

Contact

Catholic Review
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-3150
mail@CatholicReview.org

 

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent

  • New coalition aims to end capital punishment as executions increase but public support wanes
  • Pope Leo’s childhood home in Chicago suburb now a historic landmark
  • Netflix’s ‘Train Dreams’ captures the beauty of an ordinary life
  • Ukraine’s religious leaders warn Russia will attack Europe if not halted, held accountable
  • Unity, dialogue, respect: On first trip, pope highlights paths to peace
  • Buffalo bishop calls nation, Christians to ‘do better’ in upholding migrants’ dignity
  • Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent?
  • Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on horizon
  • Books for Christmas 2025

Search

Membership

Catholic Media Assocation

Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

The Associated Church Press

© 2025 CATHOLIC REVIEW MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED