Passionate About Prayer

It isn’t often you meet a man who knows exactly what he wants in life. But the Rev. J. Willis Langlinais has known it since he was 12.

“I knew I wanted to be a priest,” he pronounces absolutely. “At Central Catholic High School, I fell in love with the Marianists because of the equality between the brothers and priests. I found their family spirit to be very appealing.”

A San Antonian, Father Willis professed his vows in 1940, worked in schools in Belleville, Ill., Manitoba and St. Louis and then completed his doctorate at the University of Fribourg.

At St. Mary’s, Langlinais has served as theology professor, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, academic vice president, acting president and now chaplain of the business school. An avid fan of authors from Bernard J.F. Lonergan to Stephen King, he often wishes he had more time to devote to his reading.

Honored by the Louis D. Brandeis Lodge 2176 of B’nai B’rith for his profound contributions to improving local Jewish–Christian relations, he has served on many boards, including the Wildlife Habitat Trust, Texas Bach Choir, San Antonio Chamber Music Society, and Visiting Nurse Association and as president of the U.S.O. Council of San Antonio and the Southwest Texas Archaeology Society.

One wonders as to the source of his stamina for all these passions.

“Well, above all, I’m passionate about prayer. For me, it’s so important for survival. I could never have coped with some of the things that have happened in my life without it.”

Passionate – and inspiring.

The Rev. J. Willis Langlinais, S.M., Chaplain for the School of Business and Administration, has been a Marianist for 62 years.