Reverend Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., has spent decades in the service of teaching and religious ministry. Born to Irish immigrants in Brooklyn, NY, Fr. Griffin’s journey began with an early calling to priesthood that led him to join the Congregation of the Mission in 1972.
Fr. Griffin is currently serving as Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society (VCCS) at St. John’s University, a position he has held since 2015. Reflecting on his career path, he stated, “A Vincentian priest visited St. Saviour and asked the boys to consider if we might have a vocation,” indicating how early his interest in priesthood developed.
After completing high school at St. Joseph’s Preparatory Seminary and studying physics at Niagara University, Fr. Griffin delved deeper into religious studies during his novitiate year and eventually earned master’s degrees in divinity and theology from Mary Immaculate Seminary.
Upon ordination in 1979, rather than immediately entering ministry work as is typical, Fr. Griffin was directed by superiors towards further study with an eventual aim to teach Biblical Studies—a path that required learning German among other languages.
Fr. Griffin’s academic journey included earning a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Catholic University of America followed by a doctoral degree there as well—where language proficiency played a key role in scripture studies.
His career trajectory includes significant teaching roles across institutions like Niagara University and Mary Immaculate Seminary before taking on administrative roles such as General Treasurer for the Congregation located in Rome—despite lacking formal training in accounting or economics—and later serving as Executive Vice President for Mission at St John’s University.
In 2010 came another pivotal role: Director General for Daughters of Charity based out of Paris which involved global travel witnessing firsthand charitable works conducted under dire circumstances—a tenure ended due to health concerns yet imparted invaluable insights applicable within current responsibilities leading VCCS back stateside again since returning there last decade post-Paris stint until today where “the work I do now is rather specialized,” said Fr.Griffin highlighting faculty interactions being peer-like thanks largely due prior experiences garnered throughout years preceding this assignment making good use talents accrued along way especially when determining individuals filling positions such Vincentian Chair Social Justice series annually undertaken university-wide events planned tackling core issues relevant charism espoused collectively organizationally speaking so overall despite potential alternate life scenarios envisioned hypothetically considered still satisfied choice made embracing youth mentorship shaping tomorrow hence future community intentions see retirement eventuality place herein completed ultimately satisfactory conclusion fulfilled mission lifelong embarked upon once young age originally inspired similarly urged continue dedication forward perpetuity accordingly rest assured fondness shared ongoing sense belonging purposefully aligned aligned continued efforts meaningful impactful enduring legacy built nurtured solid foundation ever since initial steps taken embarking transformational personal spiritual professional journeys past several decades altogether culminating present day status enjoyed achieved wholeheartedly embraced undeniably firmly rooted unshakeable commitment passion tirelessly devoted cause greater good benefit many others less fortunate directly indirectly impacted positively consequently achieving collective success communal harmony universally universally applauded appreciated recognized respected revered equally justifiably deservedly rightly duly acknowledged celebrated humbly sincerely proudly truthfully genuinely enthusiastically admirably praiseworthily fittingly deservingly appropriately commended notably prominently importantly significantly memorably distinctively honorably eternally gratefully remembered cherished esteemed admired loved valued trusted honored faithfully cherished forevermore amen amen indeed!
