“The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe shares in the sorrow of so many family, friends, and Maryville Alumni, upon hearing of the death of Fr. John Smyth. Fr. Smyth was Superintendent of Maryville Academy for 30 years. During that time, he welcomed the Hispanic community to Maryville Academy in 1986 and has grown to the point where in 2013 the late Cardinal Francis George O.M.I., formally established the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Despite his inability to speak Spanish, he has touched the lives of many who have come to love this sacred place. May God help us to continue to build upon the vision of service and mercy which we have been taught.
Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Smyth, oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.”
Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, Rector