[1] Murphy earned a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree from the Urban College in 1908, and a Licentiate of Canon Law from the Pontifical Athenaeum S. Apollinare in 1909.
[5] [4]He received his episcopal consecration on May 17, 1938, from Archbishop Mooney, with Bishops John A. Duffy and Joseph C. Plagens serving as co-consecrators, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.
During his administration, Murphy established offices of Catholic Charities in the Michigan towns of Saginaw, Bay City, Alpena, and Bad Axe, and promoted social and charitable work among the poor.
[2] He organized the Mexican Apostolate to minister to Catholic migrant workers, and encouraged drives for money, food, and clothing for World War II victims in Europe.
[2] During one Christmas message, Murphy said, "Christ began His mission of saving and redeeming the human race by being born in the squalor of a stable.
Guest wrote of Murphy:"A bishop, bass upon his hook, Rod bent and taut line swishing, Without his robe and shepherd's crook