Rev. Joseph LaBran, S.J.
1915-2005

The Reverend Joseph J. LaBran, S.J., a beloved presence on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross for more than 40 years, died on Wednesday, March 23 at Campion Center, in Weston, Mass. He was 89.

Fr. LaBran - with his trademark stetson, walking stick, and exuberant greeting "Yahweh" - was a familiar and popular figure among students and the extended Holy Cross family. During his career as teacher and Chaplain, he led thousands of students as Director of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.

"All of us here at the College are deeply saddened by the news of Fr. LaBran's death," said Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., President of Holy Cross. "His exuberant faith and warm and devoted care for others made him a major influence on generations of students, faculty and staff, enriching their lives and bringing many closer to God. Now we send him forth with our heartfelt prayers, that he may find the eternal rest he longed for at his Savior's side, while praying also for the comfort and consolation of all those who will feel keenly the loss of their dear pastor, counselor and friend."

Born August 19, 1915, in Lynn, Mass., Fr. LaBran was a student at Holy Cross from 1934-1936, leaving to enter the Society of Jesus in 1936. He studied philosophy and theology at Weston School of Theology in Boston. During World War II, he taught mathematics and English at Holy Cross in the Navy V-12 program. He was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood in 1947. Beginning in 1948, he taught religion, English, and mathematics at the Jesuits' Baghdad College, and was the official Iraqi delegate to the International Congress of the Lay Apostolate in Rome. The Catholic Free Press reported that it was Fr. LaBran and other Jesuit teachers' defense of their Jewish students' rights in Baghdad that led to the Jesuits' expulsion from Iraq in 1968. He returned to Holy Cross as a teacher, priest, and Chaplain in 1958. In 1961, he received the Pro Deo et Juventute Award from Bishop Flanagan for his spirit of dedication to young people in the diocese of Worcester. He was also was committed to racial, social, and civil justice, and his activism in these areas led to several arrests, including, in 1973, when he was among 32 priests, brothers, and sisters arrested in Fresno as they picketed in behalf of the United Farm Workers Union of Cesar Chavez.

In 1999, at age 84, a group of alumni admirers presented Fr. LaBran with a customized golf cart (emblazoned with Yahweh to port and Holy Roller at the bow) allowing him to continue his rounds on campus with ease.

He received an honorary degree from the College in 2001.

Funeral services will be held at the Campion Jesuit Community in Weston. Calling hours: Tuesday, March 29, 3-5 p.m., and 6-8 p.m. Funeral: Wednesday, March 30, 10 a.m.
 
Fr. LaBran will be buried at Holy Cross. Arrangements for a memorial service at Holy Cross will be announced in the near future.