ATLANTA — A social media post by the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Atlanta has announced the passing of its pastor, Father John Howren, who died from complications of the flu Monday morning.

He was ordained to the priesthood in 1996 and served at the Basilica since 2020.

Father Howren was 61.

A Mass of the Repose of the Soul of Father John Howren will be held at the Basilica Wednesday, January 14 at 7 p.m.