February 14, 2019 — Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Daniel L. Flaherty, SJ, who died at 2:20 p.m. (EST) on February 13, 2019, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 89 years old. Dan was provincial of the Chicago Province from 1973-1979. May he rest in peace.

Dan (a.k.a "Flax") was born on July 29, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus on August 21, 1947, at Milford, Ohio. He was ordained on June 12, 1960, at West Baden College in West Baden, Indiana, and took final vows on February 2, 1965, at America House in New York. 

Before entering the Society, Dan graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Chicago (1947). As a Jesuit, he earned a bachelor's degree in classics (1952) and a master's degree in philosophy (1957) from Loyola University Chicago. He earned licentiate degrees in philosophy (1954) and sacred theology (1961) from West Baden College. He also studied communications at Northwestern University in Chicago (summer of 1958 and 1959). 

During regency, Dan taught Latin and Greek and was the moderator of the student council, the yearbook, and the drama club at St. Ignatius High School in Chicago (1954-1957). After ordination, he moved to New York where he worked at America Magazine as a book editor (1962-1965), executive editor (1965-1971), and business manager (1968-1971). During his time in New York, he was also on the Catholic Book Club Board (1962-1971) and was Chairman of the Catholic Book Club Board (1968-1971).

After moving back to Chicago in 1971, he was the executive editor of Loyola University Press and the first editor/publisher of the National Jesuit News (1971-1973). Dan was the provincial of the Chicago Province from 1973-1979. During his provincialate, he was a delegate at General Congregation 32 (1974-1975). In 1979, Dan returned to Loyola University Press where he was associate director (1979-1981) and director (1981-1989).

	Fr. Daniel Flaherty, SJ

Dan then spent 20 years as treasurer of the Chicago Province (1989-2009). In addition to working in the province office, he was the acting superior of the Jesuit community at Canisius House from 2003-2011. In 2009 Dan left the province office and focused his energies on writing. He moved to Colombiere Center in 2011 to care for his health.

Dan was on the board of trustees for: the University of Detroit Mercy (1970-1973; chair 1972-1973); Loyola University Chicago (1971-1973, 1979-1985, 1986-2010; vice-chair 1972-1973 and 1979-1985); Loyola University New Orleans (1979-1985 and 1987-1993); Loyola Academy in Wilmette (1980-1986); Loyola University Medical Center (1985-2011); St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago (1989-1992); and Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (1990-1993).

Every Jesuit has particular "Flax stories"—from a personal conversation,province gathering, or professional meeting. He infused all these encounters with his love of Jesuit life and lore, his trenchant analysis of issues, his hearty laugh, and his deep affection for the Society and each one of us.

True Irishman that he was (the rose garden at Buckingham Fountain in Chicago is named in honor of his dad), Dan loved to sing almost anything but, especially Irish tunes. His love of poetry and classical literature was amazing and his capacity to cite texts remarkable. He was a skilled editor in addition to being a creative writer. 

While Dan was a book editor of America Magazine, he helped Fr. Walter Ciszek write/edit his books: With God in Russia: The Inspiring Classic Account of a Catholic Priest's Twenty-three Years in Soviet Prisons and Labor Camps and He Leadeth Me. These books enabled countless people to become aware of Walter Ciszek and his struggles in Soviet prisons and labor camps as well as to realize the courage and hope that can be found in prayer. Dan and Walter became good friends as a result; a friendship Dan cherished throughout his life. Click here to read an America Magazine article in which Dan reflects on helping to write With God in Russia.

	From left to right: Fr. Daniel Flaherty, SJ, Fr. Fran Daly, SJ, and Ray Perpignani

During his provincialate years, Dan had the wisdom and creativity to mission younger Jesuits to leadership and governance, thereby renewing the Society and preparing the next generation of leaders for our works and communities. He often saw more in these men than they did in themselves. Dan is the reason St. Ignatius College Prep survived. He appointed one of these younger men to take on the presidency at SICP and turn things around in dramatic fashion.

Dan's energy, vision, and love of the Gospel were marvelous to behold. Dan was often moved to tears when he celebrated the Eucharist with great devotion. He and Fr. Pedro Arrupe had a special relationship during Dan's provincialate, and, when Don Pedro died in 1991, Dan travelled to Rome to attend his funeral.

Wake
Monday, February 18, 2019  
3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Prayer Service 7:00 p.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI 48346-1015    

Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
10:45 a.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI 48346-1015 

Burial Service
Immediately following the funeral

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