A Tribute to Fr Sean Murray SDB
Today, the World Confederation of Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco gives thanks to God for the life, vocation, and witness of Fr. Sean Murray, SDB — a true son of Don Bosco and a tireless shepherd of his people.
Fr. Sean dedicated the greater part of his priestly life to education, serving with distinction as a teacher and headteacher. For him, education was never simply about instruction; it was about accompaniment, presence, and forming good Christians and honest citizens. He believed deeply in the Salesian Preventive System, and he lived it daily—with kindness, clarity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every young person entrusted to his care.
As the longest-serving National Salesian Delegate for Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco in the world, Fr. Sean embodied a profound sense of fidelity and service. In Great Britain, he worked tirelessly to remain close to past pupils, not as a distant organiser, but as a priest who genuinely cared about their lives, their families, and their faith journeys. He understood that being a past pupil of Don Bosco is not something that ends at the school gate—it is a lifelong identity and a shared mission.
At the world level, Fr. Sean was a committed and active presence within the World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco. He believed passionately in our association and consistently encouraged young past pupils to belong, to take responsibility, and to continue their involvement within the Salesian Family. He saw in them not only the future of our movement, but its present strength. His encouragement was gentle but persistent, rooted in trust and hope.
Today, we honour a priest who built bridges—between generations, between schools and alumni, between the Salesians and the wider world of past pupils and friends. We remember a man of faith, loyalty, and quiet perseverance, whose life was a gift to the Church and to the Salesian Family worldwide.
Fr. Sean, thank you for your witness, your service, and your love for past pupils everywhere. We entrust you now to the Lord you served so faithfully, confident that Don Bosco himself has welcomed you home.
May you rest in peace.
Bryan Magro
President
World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco
