The Marquette University community mourns the loss of Rev. Stephen J. Molvarec, S.J., a former faculty member in the Department of History and member of the Marquette Jesuit community, who died unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 24. He was 46.
Father Molvarec spent three years at Marquette during his Jesuit regency, teaching in the Department of History and serving in campus ministry before continuing his theological studies at Boston College. During his time at Marquette, he taught history survey courses as well as a course on witchcraft and ministered at Milwaukee-area parishes.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Father Molvarec earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Canisius College and master’s and doctoral degrees in medieval history from the University of Notre Dame. He entered the Society of Jesus in 2012 and was ordained a priest in 2022. He later earned a Master of Divinity and Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Boston College.
Father Molvarec returned to Boston College, where he most recently served as assistant professor of church history in the Clough School of Theology and Ministry. A scholar of medieval spirituality, he specialized in Carthusian monasticism, 12th- and 13th-century religious life and the history of medieval cities.
Colleagues remember Father Molvarec for his gift for friendship and his ability to bring people together, regularly welcoming students and colleagues to the Jesuit Residence for lunch. At Boston College, students and colleagues similarly remembered him as a kind, generous and understanding teacher.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m., concluding with a vigil service, at St. Mary’s Hall Conference Room, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 5, at 12:15 p.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 28 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill. The vigil service and funeral Mass will also be livestreamed on the St. Ignatius Parish YouTube channel. Interment will follow at the Jesuit Cemetery at Campion Jesuit Community in Weston, Massachusetts.
A memorial service honoring Father Molvarec will be held on Marquette’s campus at a later date. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
The Marquette community extends its prayers and condolences to Father Molvarec’s family, friends, Jesuit brothers, former students and colleagues.
