Gravestone: "65 years in the Society of Jesus. Priest, prophet, pastor."

---

Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Green, Peter

Engineer, administrator, pastor; born Launceston, Tasmania, 31 July 1918; died Killara, NSW, 4 July 2006, aged 87.

Peter Green was one of few Tasmanians to join the Jesuits. The Christian Brothers educated him, first, at St Patrick’s College, Launceston, 1925-32, and then at St Virgil’s College, Hobart, 1933-35. He completed engineering and science degrees at the University of Tasmania, 1936-41 while living in Hytten Hall. His practical work was in the design and construction of a 'floating bridge'.

During his undergraduate years, Green was friendly with Dr Justin Simonds, Archbishop of Hobart, 1937-1942, who pointed out the needs of the Church in Tasmania. But Green believed that his vocation was to the Society, which he entered, 14 March 1941. His philosophy studies were at Loyola, Watsonia, 1943-45, and theology at Canisius College, Pymble, 1959-52. Green's regency was at Riverview, 1946-48, where he taught senior physics, mathematics and religion, and assisted with rowing, bringing scientific principles to bear on the sport. He was also third division prefect in 1948. Many students enjoyed his affability, ease and approachability.

After theology, Green was appointed to Aquinas College, Adelaide, 1953-56, where he was dean to Michael Scott, and chaplain to the University of Adelaide.

Upon the request by Archbishop Guilford Young of Hobart to have Jesuits staff a Catholic University College, Green and Harold Lalor were sent in 1959 to Hobart. Green was chaplain to the university students and Lalor was connected to the Catholic library, the centre of much Catholic activity at the time. Green soon set about planning St John Fisher College. Building began in 1960.

The college opened in March 1963 with twenty students. In the following year there were thirty-four. As well as being rector and bursar, Green continued to be chaplain to the university. Masses were said, discussion groups encouraged, camps organised. The Catholic Society flourished. The college and his work there for ten years was Green's major contribution to his home State. The college later ceased to be a Catholic institution and was sold to the university.

In August 1968 Green became socius to the new provincial, Peter Kelly. Green was soon asked to plan and supervise the building of a new Provincial Office and Residence. The old two-storey house was demolished and a new modern building erected on the narrow site in front of the Mission Office. This was completed in the early 1970s. The provincial appreciated his warm support and friendship, as well as his energetic and persevering service to the province.

In 1973 Green was replaced as socius and spent the year at Newman College as chaplain. He was also a member of a committee investigating what could be done about the decaying stonework on college buildings.

His next appointment was as rector of St Ignatius' College, Riverview, 1974-79. He was also bursar, and teacher of religion and physics. The scholastics found him a good listener and supporter when they believed they were overworked. These were testing years, as the role of rector and headmaster was divided, the rector really being superior of the community, and he had to regularly negotiate with the headmaster about special needs of his community.

After a sabbatical year, Green spent 1981 in pastoral work in North Sydney, and having enjoyed the experience, he was happy to accept the offer to work in the Townsville diocese that was short of priests. He went to try it out for a few months and remained for twenty years. It was to be his last ministerial appointment.

During his stay in this diocese he lived in parishes, especially the Cathedral presbytery. But his primary work was the formation of the laity, helping them update their theology, as well as taking an active part in the Church and general community. This took the form of giving retreats with John Drury, lectures, and involvement with discussion groups. He shared with priests his love for Scripture and liturgy.

In Townsville, Green was a member of the Jesuit Northern Community, a widely dispersed group of men engaged in the Aboriginal Apostolate. He was a wise father figure to the group, a true 'elder', someone who listened, supported and was part of many lengthy meetings. He provided the group with a constant, positive and faithful presence.

Paul Lucas, a lay friend, appreciated his challenging presence at meetings, 'scrutinising faith, spirituality, life and meaning.' He inspired as a man of faith and patience, and an inspiration to many. He was one of the 'key post Vatican II reformers and sustainers of the diocese of Townsville. He instilled a belief in the universal priesthood, a lay-centred church, pride in our muddled history, love of the Scriptures, prayer and spiritual development.'

As Green's health began to decline from 1994, he gave up driving because of cataracts, and reading became more difficult. He 2000 he suffered a minor stroke and a pacemaker was inserted in his heart. In 2003 he took up residence in the Arrupe wing of Canisius College, Pymble, praying for the Church and Society.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)