When I used to visit Father William (“Rab”) Murphy in
Issenye Parish in Musoma Diocese, Tanzania I always brought his mail and back
issues of the International Herald Tribune. Sometimes it would be a pack of
letters covering two or three weeks. Most of us missioners after greeting the
visitor would leaf through our mail or check out an important sports score or a
favorite cartoon. But not Rab! He would take the mail and put it aside saying
"This can wait." Then he would welcome me and sit down and talk. "How are you
doing? How are the Red Sox doing? What are the other Maryknollers up to?"

    Sometimes we would talk for hours. Rab was always
concerned how I was doing and if I needed anything.
Yes, Rab Murphy taught me the meaning of hospitality!