Farrell, Walter L.

Jesuit Father Walter L. Farrell, 96, died on July 13, 2012, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

Fr. Farrell was born on June 7, 1916, in Cleveland, Ohio. He entered the Society of Jesus on August 7, 1934, at Milford, Ohio. He was ordained a priest on June 18, 1947, at West Baden College, West Baden Springs, Ohio.  He took final vows on August 15, 1951.

Fr. Farrell was a giant in the Society—both physically and influentially. He offered care, instruction, and guidance both inside and outside the Society of Jesus. His wisdom, influence, and wry sense of humor were experienced by many people locally, nationally, and internationally.

Fr. Farrell taught rational psychology (i.e. metaphysics) at the University of Detroit (1952-53) and West Baden College (1953-65).  He offered direction, guidance, and leadership to members of the Society of Jesus as Rector of West Baden (1958-65), Consultor to the Detroit Provincial (1962-65), Provincial of the Detroit Province (1965-71),  Detroit Province Delegate to General Congregations 31 (1966) and 32 (1974-75), Secretary for Formation at the USA Jesuit Conference (1971-76), Tertian director (1976-78 and 1990-96), President of the USA Jesuit Conference (1984-90), Treasurer of the Detroit Province (1996-2007), Consultant to the Provincial on Ignatian Values in Ministry (1996-2011).

He also entrusted and bestowed Ignatian Spirituality to many people as Director of the Spiritual Exercises Center at Colombiere Center (1973-80), serving on the Archdiocese of Detroit Continuing Formation Team (1979-81), President of Jesuit Retreat & Renewal Ministries (1980-81), Director of the Romero Center (1981-83), National Ecclesial Assistant for Christian Life Communities (1991-96), and as Acting Director of Manresa Jesuit Retreat House (2007-08).

Throughout his life Fr. Farrell also directed the Spiritual Exercises and shared his considerable knowledge and understanding of the history, Institute, and workings of the Society of Jesus with others.