Fr. Patrick (Joseph) Farrell
of the Infant Jesus
Birth: August 15, 1935
Washington D.C.
Profession: August 15, 1954
Ordination: June 9, 1962
Death: July 15, 2014
Fr. Patrick was the beloved son of the late Joseph John and Myrl Louisa Farrell. He was the beloved brother of Ellen, Clare Kanofsky, Mary Doyle, Patricia Hardwick, and Joseph and beloved uncle to nieces and nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his beloved sisters Myrlmarie and Mare. Fr. Patrick attended Holy Comforter School in Washington DC and the Discalced Carmelite Minor Seminary at Holy Hill, Wisconsin. He made his Solemn Profession in the Discalced Carmelite Order in Boston on August 15, 1954. His studies included philosophy and theology at the Carmelite House of Studies and Catholic University in Washington, DC and Mariology in Rome. His ordination to the priesthood was on June 9, 1962 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Fr. Patrick’s priestly duties included teaching Latin at the Carmelite seminary, serving as pastor of St. Florian Parish in Milwaukee, being the spiritual leader for many Secular Order Discalced Carmelite groups and also serving as their Provincial Director for the eastern province. He spent many years at Holy Hill in various ministries, including working with youth and teaching religious education. He wrote questions for reflection on St. Mark's Gospel and most recently on the works of St. Teresa of Avila. He also enjoyed sketching, wood carving and carpentry. Fr. Patrick had a deep love and devotion to Mary the Mother of God and Jesus in the Eucharist. His sense of humor and talent for story telling made him an excellent homilist. His love for the Sacrament of Reconciliation touched many hearts. Fr. Patrick was currently the spiritual director and moderator for the Rockford and Volo, Illinois Secular Order Discalced Carmelites. His ability to offer encouraging spiritual support for each person was a wonderful gift. Fr. Patrick will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him as a priest and as a very gentle, kind and loving person.