Fr. Flynn Leaves Malvern Prep After 50 Years

Fr. Flynn to Leave Malvern Prep After 50 Years of Service

In mid-November, Mr. Patrick Sillup shared a communication with the Malvern Community announcing that Fr. James Flynn, O.S.A. was being reassigned to the Monastery of St. Thomas of Villanova on December 5, 2022. Included in the communication was a letter from Rev. Robert Hagan, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, who said “The Monastery is better equipped to provide the care and support that Fr. Flynn needs at this time in his life...While this news may be difficult to hear, please know it is the result of a process rooted in care, prayer, and compassion. It was also a process that included multiple discussions with Fr. Flynn. Understandably, this reassignment will be emotional for all involved, and I join countless others in appreciation of the legacy and lasting impact Fr. Flynn has had on the Malvern Prep Community. I look forward to working with you to find ways for Fr. Flynn to periodically return to Malvern Prep for future events.”

News of Fr. Flynn’s reassignment spread quickly through the Malvern Community with many alumni, parents, faculty, friends, and students sharing their well-wishes to Fr. Flynn. “Wishing you the very best on your transition to the Monastery….My son Kyle thought the world of you along with his classmates…Just know you have influenced and made an impact on the students and lives you’ve touched!” said Aaron Worsnup P’24.

Similar sentiments were shared over and over again. “Flynner, I cannot begin to thank you enough for your dedication, love, and leadership to the Malvern Prep Community for over 50 years! We owe you a debt of gratitude for your selfless support! You have been one of the cornerstones to helping Malvern grow and evolve as a school and more importantly help mold the young men who have passed through the gates of Warren Ave! You may be moving to a new home but your presence will never leave the Malvern campus,” shared Carter Sims from the Class of 1984.

Fr. Flynn has served as a pillar in the Malvern Community for 50 years in a variety of roles - teacher, President, Head of School, and Chaplain. But the roles he will best be remembered for are as a friend, friar brother, mentor, teacher, and confidant. He has been a servant to so many of us, both in times of joy and in times of

sadness. The Malvern Prep Community has been fortunate that the Augustinian Order of St. Thomas of Villanova has shared Fr. Flynn with us for all these years.

Fr. Flynn began his career at Malvern Prep, teaching mathematics and theology from 1973 to 1980. He left the school briefly to serve as the Prior of Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate and later taught mathematics and theology at Austin Preparatory School in Reading, Mass.

In 1988, Fr. Flynn was reassigned and returned to teach at Malvern Prep. Since that time, he has held the roles of Math Department Chair, Dean of the Middle School, Head of School, and President. He also served as a member of the Malvern Prep Board of Trustees.

During his incredible ministry to Malvern Prep, Fr. Flynn has been instrumental in bringing people together at Malvern and developing successful programs such as MECO (Malvernians Encountering Christ in Others), the senior retreat weekend that was created in 1975. This program has touched the lives of thousands of Malvern Prep students and has become a tradition that will endure and remain at Malvern. A celebration in honor of Fr. Flynn and his 50 years of dedicated service to Malvern Prep will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Please save the date for this celebration, details of which will be forthcoming. In the words of St. Augustine, “When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other’s flame.” In that vein, we hope you will plan to join us for his celebration.

Malvern Prep is indebted to Fr. Flynn for his incredible career that has been dedicated to the Malvern Prep Community. Please join us in expressing gratitude to Fr. Flynn and wishing him well during this transition.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share memories and well-wishes! If you would like to share a message with Fr. Flynn, please scan the QR Code. mp