Skip to main content

About the Author

Fr. Paul Murray
Contributor
President of the Spirituality Faculty
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas

Father Paul Murray, OP, teaches spiritual theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Fr. Murray made profession as a friar of the Order of Preachers (often called the “Dominicans”) in 1967 and was ordained a priest in 1973. Fr. Murray holds a Doctorate in English Literature from University College, Dublin. He received the rare distinction of being named Master in Sacred Theology in 2012, an honorary title granted to members of the Order of Preachers who have made substantial scholarly contributions in theology. His recent publications include Aquinas at Prayer: The Bible, Mysticism and Poetry and Saint Catherine of Siena: Mystic of Fire, Preacher of Freedom.

Published Pieces

Horse Statue and the Colosseum

The Lion of Pessimism

The lion of pessimism – of fatigue and disenchantment – is to be opposed by the extravagant hope of Christianity.

Very Rev. Paul Murray
Feb 25, 2021
The Ruins of a Rural Church

The Lion of Fundamentalism

The lion of fundamentalism stands opposed to charity, tempting Christians to an enclosed autonomy, exclusive of the world around us.

Very Rev. Paul Murray
Feb 17, 2021
A Gargoyle overlooks Paris

The Lion of Relativism

The lion of relativism wraps itself in seemingly sane and humane wording, hiding its deadly tendency to draw away the lifeblood of strong religious conviction.

Very Rev. Paul Murray
Feb 10, 2021
A Lioness

Naming the New Lions

Catholic universities face the cultural lions of relativism, fundamentalism, and pessimism. The proper response is faith, hope, and charity born of prayer.

Very Rev. Paul Murray
Dec 22, 2020