William (Bill) Barry, a distinguished spiritual director and author, was born in Worcester, MA. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1950, studied philosophy in Germany from 1953 until 1956, and was at Weston College for theology studies from 1959 until 1963. Ordained a priest in 1962, Barry went on to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan in 1968.
In 1969, he began teaching psychology at Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, MA, and in 1971 was named director for the Center for Religious Development. He served in both capacities until 1978, when he was put in charge of formation for the New England Jesuit Province. Barry was the Assistant Director of Novices for the Province (1985–88) when he was named Rector of Boston College.
From 1991 to 1997, he served as Provincial of the New England Jesuits. Following that, he was named co-director of the Jesuit Tertianship Program. Barry later directed retreats at Campion Center in Weston, MA.
Despite such a busy and committed life, Barry found the time to write more than 15 books, including The Practice of Spiritual Direction, God and You, Finding God in All Things, An Invitation to Love, Who Do You Say I Am?, Experiencing God in the Ordinary, and A Friendship Like No Other.
Barry had the rare ability to present complex spiritual issues in clear, well-written prose. He was one of the most significant Ignatian commentators of the early 21st century. He died in December of 2020, leaving a legacy that will long influence spiritual directors and seekers.
Related Links
God Wants Our Friendship
By William A. Barry, SJ
God wants our friendship, and in order for us to trust this experience of God as friend, we must move beyond our feelings of fear of God.
How Do I Know I’m Experiencing God?
By William A. Barry, SJ
Ignatius’s rules can help us sort out spiritual experience.
How to Know That a Choice Is Right
By William A. Barry, SJ
Barry discusses the most important criterion for confirming a good decision.
dotMagis Blog Posts
Blog posts about William A. Barry, SJ.
Having a Friendship with God This Lent
Fr. Barry discusses the opportunity to develop your relationship with God during Lent in this video reflection.
God’s Act of Creation
Excerpted from An Invitation to Love.
Contemplative in Action
Excerpted from A Friendship Like No Other.
Light and Contemplation
Excerpted from Changed Heart, Changed World.
The Transfiguration
Excerpted from Seek My Face.
Go Forth to Change the World
Rebecca Ruiz takes inspiration from Fr. Barry in this graduation-themed blog post.
Books by William A. Barry, SJ
A Friendship Like No Other
God’s Passionate Desire
Here’s My Heart, Here’s My Hand
Seek My Face
Letting God Come Close
Changed Heart, Changed World
Praying the Truth
Lenten Meditations: Growing in Friendship with God
An Invitation to Love
Experiencing God in the Ordinary
