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

Theologian; born Melbourne, 19 January 1917; died Melbourne, 8 November 2000, aged 83.

At his requiem Mass, Brendan Byrne recalled the image of light in Morgan's book, The Imagery of Light in St Ambrose's Theology. Ambrose constantly used this image to describe the way in which the Risen Lord seeks to penetrate with his healing grace the inner recesses of every human mind and heart. He complemented this with another biblical image, that of Christ, standing at the door of the soul and knocking, waiting patiently for the answer which will invite him to enter the house where he can set up the lantern of the faith that he carries in his hand.

These images were not simply matters that Richard Morgan studied and wrote about in a purely academic way. They entered his heart and imagination and shaped his ministry.

Richard Morgan was the second of the family to join the Society of Jesus, and the third to enter the priesthood. He went to Loyola College, Watsonia, March 10, 1934, completing noviciate, juniorate and one year of philosophy at that place. Two further years of philosophy and four of theology were studied at Canisius College, Pymble, being ordained 3 January 1948. His regency, 1941-44, was at Xavier College, Kostka Hall. After tertianship in 1949 at Loyola College, Watsonia, he professed theology at Corpus Christi College, first at Werribee and then at Glen Waverley, 1950-71.

During his time at Werribee he was experienced as a practically kind man, ever willing to help others in need. He was a man who never stood on dignity or assumed a superior posture. He was hospitable, not only in practical ways, but also in his sympathy for the human condition. People for whom life was a battle, people who struggled with failure and loss, always sensed that they would find in him a welcome and sympathetic hearing. He was a shrewd observer of the human scene. When mention was made of his Jesuit brother Patrick, whose eccentricities were legend, Morgan would comment simply: 'Paddy was always a bit of a character, you know'.

At Werribee, Morgan taught systematic theology (then known as dogma), as well as Latin and Greek. The only preparation he had had for teaching theology was his own careful following of the ordinary Jesuit course in theology. Despite no specialist training, generations of priests who had him as teacher spoke of the clarity of his presentation of difficult matters, the care and precision of his preparation and the notes he gave – all characteristic Morgan traits. The battlers and journeymen in particular appreciated the way in which he smoothed the stony path of theological understanding.

Finally, Morgan was given the chance to pursue specialist studies in theology in Rome during the first years of the Second Vatican Council. His work on St Ambrose, under Fr Antonio Orbe at the Gregorian, earned him not only his doctorate in Sacred theology with high distinction, but also high praise from the distinguished Oxford patristic scholar, FL Cross. He remarked that 'the work has been carried through on a scale and with a thoroughness which has probably never been equalled by any previous scholar'. After many years, the work was published with the generous assistance of the Carmelite Community in Kew.

When he returned to Glen Waverley to assist the rectors of the seminary in carrying out a renewal in accordance with the decrees and spirit of Vatican II, there was also a whole new audience for theology. Numerous sisters and brothers, attending weekend workshops, appreciated the enthusiasm and clarity of his exposition. Structures were changing too, and as prefect of studies, Morgan played an important role in the early discussions of Catholic participation in the ecumenical Melbourne College of Divinity.

After the Jesuits relinquished the administration of the seminary to the diocesan clergy in 1971, Morgan turned to direct pastoral work in the parish of the Immaculate Conception, Hawthorn, until 1977. During this time he was influential in bringing to the people insights of the Second Vatican Council. He was appreciated for his sermons, characterised by their clarity and theological richness, as well as for the kindness of his pastoral attention. He was an extremely conscientious and hard working pastor, who worried about difficulties and problems, frequently resulting in little sleep or no relaxation. He had difficulty delegating authority and making decisions. He was extremely discrete and very prudent. Responsibility lay heavily upon his shoulders.

It was appropriate for one who was so grounded in theology and spirituality that the third stage of his life was as spiritual guide helping both religious and lay people to discover the light of Christ's transforming grace.

From 1978-97 Morgan was on the staff of Campion Retreat Centre, Kew. He was a good and sympathetic listener, a pastor hospitable to all human experience. These gifts were helped for being no stranger to self-doubt, depression and feelings of inadequacy and failure. The physical struggle he had in his later years, first with problems with his hips, and then with the onset of Parkinson's disease, mirrored interior struggles as well. In his own being the light of Christ had often to wrestle with the darkness.

During this time he co-authored with his nephew, Patrick Morgan, a history of his family, The Morgan's of Niddrie', and also worked in the province archives, preparing curricula vitae of some thirty recently deceased Jesuit brethren.

Morgan was blessed with ease in relating to women. He could comfort them gently and receive comfort in turn. Whether it was with members of his own family, with the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny who served in both seminaries, with the ladies who worked in the retreat house, or with the sisters at Carmel, there was an ability to exchange affection in a lovingly supportive way. He was good company among Jesuits with his salted wit, zest and good cheer.

Increasing illness for the last three years of his life, which he suffered with fortitude, prevented him from active life, and he died at the Justin Villa, Balwyn.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)