Fr. John Daniel Matheson, S.J.

John D. Matheson of the Society of Jesus died on the 19th day of October, 2023, at René Goupil House in Pickering, ON. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on 3 July, 1930, the son of Daniel Matheson and Katherine Scannell. He was 93 years old and in his 73rd year as a Jesuit. Ordained in 1962, John enjoyed a half century of ministry, principally at Campion College, Regina, where he lectured on films. To further his skills in 1969 he was a student in Communication Arts at the University of Los Angeles. During that four-year period he was also director of the Media Center for Black Catholics. Back in Canada in 1973, John was appointed promoter of Modern Communications Media. From his earliest years as a Jesuit, he exhibited strong passion for social justice, so in later life he ministered to Chinese Catholics in Regina. Then in 2002, he created a ministry for prisoners in the local penitentiary, named Friends on the Outside (FOTO), centering on restorative justice. In 2017 John left the west for Rene Goupil House in Pickering. Still quite active, he organize their library and served during various liturgies to do readings; his mellifluous voice brought about a sense of contemplation and peace. John was a great conversationalist and even ongoing deafness did not quench his love for spiritual and secular conversation. He was blessed with a non-confrontational personality and it was a joy to be in his presence.

Wake at St Ignatius Chapel (Manresa) Pickering, on Monday, October 30, from 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, October 31, at 10.30 a.m. Family and friends may also join the mass via live webcasting at: https://ipickart.com/stream/Matheson

Burial will take place at the Jesuit Cemetery in Guelph, at 2:30 p.m. Donations to the Jesuit Advancement Office, 43 Queen’s Park Cres. E., Toronto, ON M5S 2C3, (416-962-4500) would be appreciated as your expression of sympathy.