Kino founder Fr. Larkin passes away at 84

By Andrew Junker, The Catholic Sun
November 16, 2006

Carmelite Father Ernest Larkin, founder of the Kino Institute and nationally renowned speaker and writer, died in Phoenix Oct. 26. He was 84.

His life was marked by prayer and service in diverse ministries.

In 1946 he was ordained to the priesthood in Chicago, where he taught at the Carmelite seminary before studying for a doctorate in theology in Rome.

He returned to teach at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., from 1959 until 1971, when he moved to Phoenix for health reasons.

Fr. Larkin then founded the Kino Institute at the behest of then Bishop Edward A. McCarthy in 1972. His original conception of the institute was as a school for priests to receive theological formation.

Kino quickly expanded its mission, providing theological training and formation for Phoenix’s permanent deacons and lay ministers.

Carmelite Father Fred Tillotson, principal of Tucson’s Salpointe Catholic High School and former director of the Kino Institute, remembered the influence Fr. Larkin had on the school.

“Working with him at the institute was a learning experience and a source of spiritual growth. I always felt confident of our mission and of our competency to address serious theological issues with Fr. Ernest as the guide and anchor,” he said.

Fr. Tillotson’s confidence in Fr. Larkin was well earned.

In 1972 the Carmelite authored a book commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops titled “Spiritual Renewal of the American Priesthood.” The book was influential on priestly formation in the United States.

Fr. Larkin also gained notoriety for the workshops and retreats he gave across the country focusing on spirituality and asceticism.

Numerous periodicals published his articles throughout the years.

Sibling Fr. Jack Larkin, also a Carmelite, said his brother’s theological outlook was greatly formed by his love of Carmelite spirituality.

“He was very familiar with John of the Cross and Theresa of Avila,” he said, naming two prominent Carmelite saints.

“In fact, in August, we went over to Spain for a pilgrimage where we traced their steps,” he went on. “He was so anxious to do that.”

The brother priests usually vacationed together. He reflected on how comforting it was to have a brother who was also a priest.

“When you become a priest it can be a pretty lonely life. And you’re pretty blessed if you have someone close to you,” he said. “Being brothers, we were that.”

He found in his brother an example of holiness.

“He was just a very holy man. When we would go on vacations together, I’d see him over in the corner praying up a storm,” he remembered.

Fr. Tillotson said that for Fr. Larkin, “personal relationship with God in prayer and contemplation always came first, but he also demonstrated that love of God by caring and guiding others in the spiritual paths of the great Carmelite saints.”

Leading others to Christ

Fr. Larkin’s attention to pastoral care is reflected in the Kino Institute today, said Barry Sargent, current director of the institute.

Kino Institute tries to emphasize that the “intellect and pastoral care aren’t detached from each other,” Sargent said

“Kino is an integration of one’s own values in relationship to the academic and intellectual study. The Church calls us to human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation,” he added.

Fr. Larkin also emphasized the Church’s call to spiritual formation through contemplative prayer.

His greatest message was that “everyone is called to contemplation,” his brother said, “not just monks and sisters, but we all are.”

Fr. Larkin will spread that message even in death, he said. A posthumous book on Christian meditation by Fr. Larkin will be published in February.

“The presence of so many priests and bishops at his funeral was testimony to the effect that he had on people,” Fr. Tillotson said.

Fr. Larkin’s funeral was celebrated at St. Agnes Parish. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery Oct. 30.

“He taught the Catholic spiritual tradition to the people of Arizona and served as teacher, spiritual director and mentor,” Fr. Tillotson said. “He was a pioneer in his own area, a stable and knowledgeable father to the Church in Phoenix.”

“He was a very humble man,” his brother said. “It’s been a real joy and a privilege for me to know him.”