Rev. Paul J. Bernadicou, S. J.

Feb. 18, 1933 - Dec. 10. 2020

Father Paul Joseph Bernadicou, S. J., university theology professor and spiritual director, died in his sleep of natural cause on December 10, 2020 at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos. He was 87 years of age and had been a Jesuit for 68 years.

Paul was born in Stockton, CA on February 18, 1933. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Stockton, and attended Santa Clara University for two years before entering the Jesuit novitiate in 1952 to study for the priesthood. Studies were made at Gonzaga University, Regis College, Toronto, and the Gregorian University, Rome. He was ordained a priest June 4, 1965 in St. Ignatius Church, San Francisco.

Before ordination, Paul taught English and French at Bellarmine Collee Prep, San Jose ( 1959- 1961). After completing his studies, he taught Theology / Religious Studies at the University of San Francisco ( 1970- 2000). Paul also served as Rector of the Jesuit communities of

USF and Loyola Marymount University.

Paul’s ministry also included guiding Jesuits during their final stage of formation as director of the California Province tertianship program, chaplain and instructor in Gonzaga University’s program in Florence, Italy, spiritual director for priests at the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer in Los Angeles, and as pastoral assistant at St. Agnes Church in San Francisco. He retired to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in 2015 for a ministry of prayer.

Paul is survived by his brother, Louis ( Diane) Bernadicou and a nephew, Paul Lynch, all of Stockton.

Due to Covid- 19 restrictions, a private funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center. Donations to the Jesuit West Province P. O. Box 68 Los Gatos, Ca. 95031 appreciated.