Maria Cressler, the executive director of Ignatius House, the Jesuit Retreat Center, announced long-time spiritual director, and friend to many, Jesuit Father Niel Jarreau, recently moved from Atlanta to Grand Coteau, La.

He will be continuing his ministry of spiritual direction at the St. Charles Spirituality Center.

Jesuit Father Niel Jarreau. Photo by Michael Alexander

“It is hard for most of us to think of Ignatius House without Father Niel. His passion for the work here and his desire for each of us to know just how much God loves us, will never be forgotten,” she wrote in an email message.

Father Jarreau served Ignatius House for over 22 years and has been a Jesuit for 70 years. To celebrate his work, the Ignatius House board of directors established the Niel Jarreau, SJ Scholarship Fund.

It is very heartfelt because Father Niel wanted all people to experience an Ignatian retreat and come to know God’s love intimately, Cressler said.

The scholarship allows the retreat house to serve people who are unable to experience a retreat due to financial concerns.