Fr. Bradley Schaeffer Obituary: Fr. Bradley M. Schaeffer, SJ, former president of the Jesuit Conference of the United States, passed away on March 28, 2024, in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, at age 74.
Fr. Schaeffer, born on July 21, 1949, in Chicago, dedicated his life to the Society of Jesus, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he served.
His journey began with his education at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, followed by his entry into the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus in 1967.
After his ordination as a priest in 1977, he pursued further studies, earning bachelor’s degrees in English and theology from the University of Detroit, a master’s of education in counseling psychology from Boston College, and a master’s of divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology in Chicago.
Throughout his career, Fr. Schaeffer’s ministry extended across various educational and leadership roles. He served as a teacher and counselor at institutions like the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Saint Ignatius College Prep.
In 1991, he was appointed provincial of the Chicago Province, during which he initiated significant initiatives to serve the Latino community in the Pilsen area of Chicago.
His vision and founding of the first Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Pilsen revolutionized education, paving the way for almost 40 similar schools across the USA.
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