Beloved Spiritual Leader Father Martin Hyatt Passes Away After Decades of Faithful Service

Archimandrite Joseph Polycarp Martin Hyatt, b.s.o., a devoted priest for 42 years, has passed away at age 72. Known affectionately as Father Martin, he was a pillar of the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire religious community. His life was defined by his unwavering commitment to the Cursillo movement at the Saint Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen, Massachusetts, where he served as a transformative Spiritual Director.

Throughout his ministry, Father Martin championed the Cursillo movement, guiding thousands toward a personal encounter with the love of Jesus Christ. His influence extended far beyond the walls of the Center, most notably through his pioneering work in prison ministry. Starting in 1988, he facilitated retreats that provided incarcerated individuals with a profound sense of dignity, forgiveness, and hope, often transforming the lives of those felt forgotten by society.

Those who worked alongside Father Martin remember a man who embodied the Gospel through his humble actions and service. He frequently taught that all acts of mercy must flow from a humble heart, a philosophy that defined his legacy of compassion. His departure leaves a significant void, yet his impact on the thousands of lives he touched remains a lasting testament to his ministry.