Remembering Father John Farren, O.P.

Saint John’s Seminary mourns the passing of Father John Farren, O.P., who died peacefully on October 21, 2025, at Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, New York, under the devoted care of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. A faithful son of Saint Dominic and a devoted servant of the Church, Father Farren leaves behind a legacy of prayer, scholarship, missionary zeal, and priestly leadership that has impacted countless lives.

Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on April 28, 1938, to Neil and Mary Bridget (Cavanagh) Farren, Father John Joseph Aquinas Farren entered the Dominican Order in 1957 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1964. Over six decades of ministry, he embodied the Dominican call to “contemplate and hand on to others the fruits of contemplation.” His ministry took him from classrooms and missions to the offices of the Vatican and the halls of seminaries, always with a heart anchored in service and a mind devoted to truth.

Father Farren’s years as Rector of Saint John’s Seminary (2003–2007) marked a period of renewal, growth, and spiritual depth. With characteristic discipline and clarity, he guided the seminary through an apostolic visitation and strengthened its identity as a regional seminary serving multiple dioceses. He also oversaw the seminary’s affiliation with the Lateran University of Rome—an achievement that helped ensure that Saint John’s would continue to offer the highest level of theological formation for generations to come.

His leadership was both firm and fatherly. Students remember him for his booming “Right on!” echoing down the halls, and his passion for the liturgy—often waiting outside the chapel to gently (or not so gently) correct a misplaced rubric or a poorly proclaimed reading. Beneath the humor and precision was a deep pastoral love. “Your love for the priesthood is inspiring,” one faculty member said at his farewell gathering. “Your example as rector and priest has demonstrated to even the casual observer what spiritual fatherhood is all about.”

Fr. Farren’s fellow priests and faculty described him as tenacious, loving, strong, humble, generous, prayerful, and dedicated—a shepherd deeply modeled after the Lord’s own heart. In his rector’s conferences, he often reminded seminarians:

“Love the People of God. In your homilies, if you do not give the congregation hope, then you have not done your job proclaiming the Gospel.”

He challenged future priests to embrace the Church’s call to the new evangelization, insisting that they “find new models and ways to bring the same Faith to a different culture.” For him, preaching Christ was not just a task—it was the heart of the priestly vocation.

Beyond Saint John’s, Father Farren’s ministry was as diverse as it was distinguished. He served as a missionary in Chimbote, Peru, aiding in earthquake recovery and directing social works; as a theologian and teacher in Washington, D.C.; as Assistant to the Master of the Dominican Order in Rome; and later as Director of the Catholic Information Service for the Knights of Columbus. In every assignment, his intellect, energy, and spiritual depth left an enduring mark.

Father Farren was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Cornelius and his sister Monica. He is survived by his sister Sr. Mary Farren, RGS, of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Boston, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family who remained close to him in his final months.

His funeral Mass was celebrated on October 27, 2025, at Holy Innocents Church in Pleasantville, New York, with burial at All Souls Cemetery.

The Saint John’s Seminary community gives thanks to God for the life and priestly witness of Father John Farren, O.P.—a faithful son of Saint Dominic, a devoted rector, and a true spiritual father. May the Lord whom he served so fervently now welcome him into the joy of eternal life.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.