Hearts & Minds | Issue 1 | July 2021

BROTHER LUKE Memories

Brother Luke John Smyth (14 April 1923–26 February 2021)

Written by Br Peter Carroll - Provincial

“ His ready smile, warm personality, willingness to listen and talk to anyone, meant he was always good company, in community as elsewhere."

Br Luke died gently and peacefully at 4:10 am on Friday, 26 February 2021. The Community Leader, Br Bryan Davis, and Br Luke’s two nieces, Gina and Sabine, were with him when he slipped away. His life ended where he wanted it to, at the place he has called home for all but two years of his long Religious Life, St Gregory’s College Campbelltown.

No Brother has been as closely associated or as deeply identified with any one school as Br Luke has been with St Gregory’s, and it is unlikely any other will be. John Smyth was born on 14 April 1923 to Michael and Josephine Smyth who owned a farm at Dookie in rural Victoria. He was baptised at St Monica’s on 30 April 1923 and confirmed by the Bishop of Sandhurst on 28 May 1933.

He met his first Marist Brother when his mother enrolled him at St Gregory’s College in 1938. Encouraged by Br William Molloy, he left St Gregory’s after only one year to continue his secondary education at the Juniorate at Mittagong. This led to the Novitiate where in July 1943, he received the habit of the Marist Brothers and was given the religious name of Luke.

While most Brothers have a series of appointments to their name, Br Luke’s list is simple and short – one year at Hamilton, one year at Bondi Beach (so he could study Agriculture at Sydney Technical College) and 75 years at St Gregory’s. There was very little that Br Luke did not know about the College or the Campbelltown-Camden region.

Br Luke and his family - Br Luke is the curly-haired boy second from the left

Br Luke is the baby in this photo.

Br Luke and his sister, Marie, in 2018

Br Luke shearing.

His ministry at Campbelltown was full and busy. Like most Brothers, he taught classes, supervised dorms and boarders’ study, coached sporting teams and was involved in all the aspects of College life. However, there was one major difference. He was a farmer, a man of the land. He taught agriculture, ran the dairy, managed the Campbelltown farm, (and for 15 years the Mittagong farm as well). He also established the College Rodeo, which ran for decades, as a way of providing funds for College projects. He was a farmer, through and through. He would read the newspaper, “The Land”, carefully to stay abreast of news and developments. In fact, his outstanding ministry to young people was shaped in a particular way by this single fact. ‘Luke the Farmer’ was down-to-earth and had an innate understanding of seasons and change in young people’s lives as much as in nature. He related well to them. They admired him. There is a photo in the College Archives that captures that special relationship he had with the boys. It shows a young Luke, dressed in black habit, standing in front of his Under15 Football team. They are looking at him with real admiration and happiness.

Luke’s contribution to the life of young people did not stop at their graduation. Because he was “always there,” he remained a contact and focus for past students. He knew different generations of families as in turn they were educated at St Gregory’s. Ex-students enjoyed returning to the College and meeting up with him. His presence and constancy were great gifts to the College. At the time of his Jubilee one of his former students wrote: “Br Luke, a gentle giant of a man is a role model for what is best in masculinity and commitment”. The naming of the Hall at the College in his honour demonstrated the respect and admiration that the St Gregory’s community had for him.

Br Luke participating in a Cattle Show - year unknown.

You can imagine that someone who has been in the one community and school for such an extended period could easily be a naysayer and resister to change. This was never the way Br Luke operated. He may have had his doubts, but he never attempted to use his influence to obstruct. He let every Principal and Community Leader (and there were many in his time) make their own decisions and take their own path. He adapted to lay Leadership of the College. Even when he was told that most of the farm was to be sold off for an urban development, he did not try to block the move. He knew that change was inevitable, so he decided to start a nursery to provide plants for the new suburb, Gregory Hills.

In Marist circles we talk much about the five characteristics - Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit and Love of Work. Br Luke lived these, all of them. He was a marvellous role model, not just to the students, but also to staff and Brothers. He really was a great “community man”. He loved the Brothers. His ready smile, warm personality, willingness to listen and talk to anyone, meant he was always good company, in community as elsewhere. He put everyone at ease and made them feel important and welcome. He also possessed a great sense of humour. He had the ability to see the fun in life. As his friend Br Michael Haynes noted in his Jubilee tribute: “His humour is never hurtful or vindictive. He loves the cut and thrust of repartee with the Brothers and is not averse to the occasional practical joke.”

After interviewing Br Luke during a visit to Campbelltown, a former Provincial summed him up in two words: “pure gold”. We have all been enriched by having Br Luke Smyth as one of our brothers and as a member of St Gregory’s College community for the last 78 years.

May he rest in peace.

Tributes to Br Luke

I have known Br Luke since 1951. He was my teacher, my football coach, and my mentor in common decency ever since.

Luke was a wonderful person who had a real effect on countless number of men.

As a fellow Marist Brother I had so many interactions with Luke over so many years, unlike myself he was patient, forbearing and nice to be around.

A very knowledgeable and faithful man.

Luke’s commitment to his vocation as a Marist Brother has brought very many blessings to so many people over such a long time.

A remarkable man. Memories of his life and legacy are so strong. ”

I remember Luke as an excellent teacher, with a great sense of humour and a very good man.

A great man who touched all our hearts. There was the way he always took the time to ask how you were going. Luke was a great mentor and a true gentleman.

The passing of a genuine legend and really, the face of St Gregs for much of its existence. An extraordinary life lived by a wonderful person.

Br Luke, your guidance, and sincerity will always be remembered.

An aerial view of Br Luke's farewell procession as he makes his way to his final resting place in Mittagong.

Members of the Show Team at Br Luke's funeral.

"What an awesome man! He had a fantastic memory, a kind heart and truly cared for the school and the students. ”

“A truly remarkable and humble man who lived his vacation through his actions every single day.”

“The heart and soul of our great College. A true saint.”“Bless his gentle soul. A man to be truly admired.”

“What a sad loss for the St Gregs community and his family. He was a pillar of St Gregs. A great man who dedicated his life (74 years of it) to the school and its students.”

“Thank you, Br. Luke, for helping me and many other country boys overcome the difficulty of being away from home.”

“Br Luke lived faith in action. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful person.”

“Was there a greater example of the proud Marist ideas at work? Luke, enjoy your much deserved reward.”

“A great man, kind, stern, and fair. A great loss to humanity and his gift has touched the hearts of many.”

Such a special man with a very kind heart. Luke represents the very heart and soul of St Gregs. ”

Mr Lee MacMaster (College Principal) at Br Luke's funeral.

"Was an absolute legend a one of a kind. ”

Br Luke on the 4-wheeler motorbike on the farm.

Br Luke's love was his cows - and here they are at his funeral.

Year 7 boys in 2020 meeting Br Luke as he drove around the College in his ute!

The Brother Luke Hall was opened on 22 July 2015 This Hall is named in honour of one of St Gregory’s most remarkable ex-students. John Smyth was born in the small Victorian town of Dookie in 1923. His first contact with St Gregory’s was when he arrived at the College as a border in 1938. After just one year he left the College to pursue his vocation as a Marist Brother. Receiving the Marist habit in 1943 he was given the religious name of Brother Luke. In 1946 Br Luke was appointed to join the staff of St Gregory’s. Apart from two short stints at other schools he has been a member of the St Gregory’s community ever since. During his time at the College, Br Luke has filled many positions including teacher, dormitory master, sport’s coach, Brother’s community leader and farm manager. His capacity for hard work, amiable nature and willingness to be of service to others has led to him having a profound and last effect on the lives of many. In recognition of his unique contribution to the College this Hall has been named in his honour.

The official opening of the Br Luke Hall, St Gregory's College.

A Prayer for Brother Luke Eternal rest grant to Brother Luke, O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon Brother Luke. May Brother Luke rest in peace.