Father Bernard J. Tyrrell, SJ, 91, professor emeritus of theology at Gonzaga University, died February 5, 2025, in Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California.
He was born to Bernard J. and Mary Koreski Tyrrell on May 10, 1933, in Yakima, Washington. He graduated from Marquette High School in Yakima in 1951. After discerning a vocation to the Jesuit priesthood, he entered the novitiate in Sheridan, Oregon. He earned degrees in philosophy from Gonzaga University and taught Greek, Latin and English for two years at Loyola High School in Missoula, Montana.
He then pursued graduate studies in philosophy at Fordham University, completing coursework and comprehensives for a doctorate by 1962. He made his theological studies at Alma College in Los Gatos, California, the theology school of Santa Clara University, and was ordained a priest in Spokane, Washington, in1965. A year of spiritual studies in Vienna completed his Jesuit training. He then resumed graduate studies in philosophy at Fordham University, earning a doctorate in 1972 with a dissertation on the eminent Canadian philosopher Bernard Lonergan, SJ, who became a friend and mentor.
Fr. Tyrrell began teaching philosophy and theology at Gonzaga University in 1972, becoming emeritus in 2001 and remaining at the university until 2015. In addition to his teaching, Fr. Tyrell served as a counselor and spiritual director for many. After his retirement from teaching at Gonzaga, an annual lecture series was created in his honor, the “Bernard J. Tyrrell, S.J. Lecture in Philosophy of God and Theology.” He spent the last 10 years of his life at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, the province retirement and health care community.
Fr. Tyrrell suffered from health problems his whole life. He was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate, which necessitated many early surgeries, and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his 50s, eventually confining him to a motorized wheelchair. Despite his infirmities, he continued teaching until his health forced him to abruptly cancel his last scheduled class at Gonzaga at age 81. He continued writing and providing personal spiritual counseling and guidance sessions until his passing.
His disabilities, however, informed his writings and ministry. He once noted, “Throughout the years, the eyes of my heart continue to discern the deep bonds of humanity that link those who strive together, with God’s help, for wholeness.” His best known work, at the time considered a theological best seller, Christotherapy (1976), came from his many years in psychotherapy and his struggles as a recovering alcoholic in an effort to integrate psychology and Christian reflections on healing and growth. The book went through several editions and was published in six foreign languages; it has touched the lives of countless others.
His other publications include Bernard Lonergan’s Philosophy of God (1974), Christotherapy II (1982), Christointegration (1989), Atheism Today: A Christian Response (co-authored 2012), as well as numerous contributions to scholarly books and journals.
Fr. Tyrrell is survived by his only sibling, Catherine (Kay) Dodson (Ron); his five nieces, Cathi Dodson, Sue Zender (Mark), Margi Dodson, Teri Judkins (Mike) and Jennifer Stowell (Brendan); and grandnephews and grandnieces Daniel Bernard Zender, Kate Zender, Nathan Judkins, Matthew Zender (Kristy), Brian Judkins (Elyse), Rachel Stowell-Lopez (Nico) and Abbi Stowell; many cousins, including Fr. Mike Tyrrell, SJ and Sr. Clare Lentz, SP; and numerous friends and brother Jesuits.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. Click here for the livestream.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the house chapel of the Jesuit Community at Gonzaga University in Spokane, followed by inurnment at Mt. St. Michael Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Fr. Tyrrell may be made to the Jesuits West Province of the Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 68, Los Gatos, CA 95031.