Appointed as the first Superior of the fledgling group that came out to establish the Blessed Sacrament Congregation in Bombay, India, Fr. Joe led the group through its initial hurdles with confidence and verve. A man of few words and a mind of his own, he quickly set the small group on its feet and the community began to take roots. Several prospective candidates came and went, with Fr. Joe being the one in charge of formation too. He too had to face the difficulties of adjusting to the new theology of Vatican II, but he took all this in his stride. A school-teacher by profession before he joined the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, he was systematic in his approach to everything and could be quite a disciplinarian when he wanted to.

Struck by serious thrombosis in the left leg, Fr. Joe had to return to Australia in 1974, but was soon back on his feet as Parish Priest of the new foundation in the Bunbury diocese in Western Australia. Ever ready to ‘supply’ for priests away on holidays and on other occasions, he was quite popular in Bunbury and Perth before returning to Melbourne where he has been since the late 80s. Active as ever even though over eighty, he currently contributes significantly though somewhat slowly, to the life of the St. Francis community at Melbourne. Fr. Joe’s heart is still in Bombay and the little community he helped start. He has followed the progress in this Region with great enthusiasm and contributes through his prayer and occasional financial support. He too is remembered gratefully among the more senior people of Colaba, even if they have moved away from the place in recent years. The erection of India into a full-fledged province of the Congregation will undoubtedly warm his heart – as he shared this dream for the area over the years.

He may be contacted at: