DEAR EDITOR:

Some come and go, and leave nothing. Some come and go, and leave something.

Bishop Murry came to this world and left everything! He left his mark of leadership, scholarship, humility, simplicity, charity and love. He was the inspirational and spiritual leader, not just of Catholics within his diocese, but the bishop of humanity. The Bishop of all those he touched, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity or gender.

Bishop Murry led a simple life, a holy life, a good life. Instead of living in a mansion, he preferred to live in a simple apartment near the Diocese’s office in the city of Youngstown.

Once I had the good fortune and honor to meet with Bishop Murry in his office, in an old building, free from ornaments or grandeur. His office was a large room, on the second floor furnished with an old oak desk, a few old oak chairs, a crucifix and a picture of the Pope adorning the walls. But that simple office was most welcoming, full of warmth and grace. As we started talking, I could feel the presence of a wise man, a kind man, a humble man, a true servant of God.

During our conversation, I told him about a poor lady I was seeing weekly at the Wound Care Center at Mercy Health. She had a malignant ulcer that had replaced her breast. She did not see the doctor early because she said, “I did not have insurance.”

I was shocked but not surprised when he offered to come and see her, and pray for her. He later drove himself to the Wound Care Center. He spent about 5 minutes with her, alone, in the examining room. He came out, put his gentle hand on my shoulder, and in a sad voice, he said: “I will pray for her.”

When I went back to see her, instead of seeing the usual expression of anxiety and despair on her face, I saw a smile that lit the room and an expression filled with peace and hope. She grasped my hand, thanked me and thanked God profusely for the great gift — the visit by Bishop Murry.

Bishop Murry left all those who knew him richer and better. He left a world better than when he found it. We shall miss him, and we all pray that he will be at peace with the God he emulated and served so well.

RASHID ABDU, MD

Canfield