Fr. John C. Govan, S.J.

Father John C. Govan died peacefully on 24 November 2025 at the Houses of Providence in Toronto. He was in his 81st year of life and his 62nd year of religious life. John was born on 14 May 1945 in Toronto, the son of William Govan and Marie Vandette. After five years at Loyola High School in Montreal and St. Michael’s College School in Toronto, he entered the Society at Guelph on 14 August 1964. Following first vows on 15 August 1966, he remained in Guelph for another four years, studying philosophy at the University of Guelph—where he also played football for the Gryphons. His regency took place at Loyola High School from 1970 to 1972. John began theology at Regis College, Willowdale, in 1972 and was ordained there on 7 June 1975. Immediately afterward, he spent a year at Claremont Graduate School in California for further studies in philosophy.

John was an energetic, dynamic person and a great conversationalist. That changed in 1976, shortly after his ordination, when a brain tumour was diagnosed. He underwent intensive surgery which, though successful, left lasting damage to his body. Soon after, he became a retreat director in Guelph, a ministry he continued until his move from Guelph in the spring of 2017.

While at Guelph, John was an integral part of the retreat and spiritual ministries team. His work and presence were deeply appreciated, and many of his talks and writings were widely circulated. He was a gifted spiritual guide and a thoughtful contributor to theological reflection. He contributed to shaping the evolving emphases of the Guelph team—from communal discernment to ecological responsibility. His special contribution was introducing retreats focused on Contemplative Prayer. During this time, he also served in the governance of the Jesuit community.

Throughout these years, John’s health steadily declined, and he underwent further treatments to address his diminishing capacities and increasing disabilities. No doubt, his own suffering became part of the Gospel message he proclaimed. In his final years, ordinary conversation with him was very difficult, a frustration he bore with patience.

Visitation at St. Ignatius Chapel, Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre, 2325 Liverpool Road, Pickering, ON, Tuesday, December 2, 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Vigil prayers at 7:30pm.

Funeral Mass at St. Ignatius Chapel, Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre, 2325 Liverpool Road, Pickering, ON, Wednesday, December 3, 10:00am. Burial at the Jesuit Cemetery, 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph ON, Wednesday, December 3, 2:30pm.

Donations to the Jesuit Advancement Office, 43 Queen’s Park Cres. E., Toronto, ON M5S 2C3, (416-962-4500) or online https://jesuits.ca/make-a-gift/, would be appreciated as an expression of your sympathy.