Rev John Gerard Reilly SJ
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Born 11/08/1928; Ordained 25/03/1963
Jesuits - The Society of Jesus
When Fr John Reilly (88) died in his sleep at Manresa Residence, Toowong (Brisbane), he was the Province's oldest superior and head of ministry. He had recently celebrated 70 years as a Jesuit. Born and educated in Essendon, Victoria, his Jesuit formation included studying both Arts and Sciences at Melbourne University. He was sent to India in 1957 to join the Australian Jesuit Mission in Hazaribag. After ordination in Ranchi, he taught at St Xavier's School. In 1966-67 he lived in Catholic Ashrams while organising the Catholic response to the terrible famine in Bihar State, work that revealed his organisational skills and leadership ability.
In March 1968 John was forced to leave India. Thereupon his missionary impulse took a new direction, firstly with ministry to Indians in Suva, then lecturing in Theology at the East Asian Pastoral Institute in Manila (1970-76), where he contributed with great insight to renewal programs in the wake of Vatican II. After graduating with a doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Gregorian University, he spent much of the rest of his life as a travelling resource for priests, religious and lay leaders in East Asia, PNG and the Pacific, while based in Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. In 1993-2002 he was National Director for the Commission of Australian Bishops for the Continuing Education of Clergy, a role he pioneered. He published books on the four Gospels, and was a founding member, then Director, of the Faber Centre of Ignatian Spirituality in Brisbane.
Wonderfully approachable and open-minded, wise and gentle in his spiritual direction, John guided countless people through retreats over the past fifty years, sharing his love and understanding of the Scriptures and the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius.