FATHER FRANK
THE STORY
The story of Father Frank Parrish, S.J. is that of a priest for our times, a spiritual person set before the faithful for emulation, especially those aspiring to the priesthood.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, Help me, my Jesus, to go all the way in my personal love for You—not to be continually holding back. I want to give myself to You. Jesus, I love You dearly. You are the only One I desire to serve. Help me to get rid of my selfishness and think only of You. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I love You with my whole self and I’ll prove my love for You with Your grace. Help me to draw my boys very close to You. Your devoted priest,
Your Father Frank
November 2, 1945
A.M.D.G.
First used by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the abbreviation for the Latin Ad maiorem Dei Gloria, “For the greater glory of God” is the motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
Dear Friend,
It is a pleasure for me to write an introduction to
Father Frank: An Exemplary Jesuit Priest.
I had the pleasure of knowing Fr. Frank Parrish, S.J. for many years. I always found him true to form:
grateful for the gifts the Lord had given him, deeply committed in his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
and unsparing in his love and care for all he met. In these pages you will also read about the Mystical
Humanity of Christ, an organization dedicated to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ living within each of us,
especially as revealed in the writings of mystic Cora Evans. Those involved in Mystical Humanity are committed to
sharing the Lord’s presence and grace through retreats, conferences and conversation. May these pages also serve as
an introduction to this fine ministry. Father Frank was convinced of Christ’s indwelling in our lives. Letting this
truth take hold of us can be the first step in a new moment of one’s life. I hope you enjoy your reading of
Father Frank: An Exemplary Jesuit Priest. As you do so, paraphrasing Father Frank, may you have a sparkle
of joy in your eyes, a smile on your lips, and love in your heart.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Thomas H. Smolich, S.J.
This letter was written when Fr. Smolich, S.J. was president of the Jesuit Conference of the United States (2006–2014). He served as international director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), headquartered in Rome (2014–2023). Currently he is rector of the Jesuit Community, Santa Clara University’s Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.