Rev Thomas Lake-Smith SJ
Title:
Rev
First Name:
Thomas
Middle Names:
Preferred Name:
Surname:
Lake-Smith
Order:
SJ
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Werribee VIC
Country of Birth:
Australia
Date of Ordination:
Place of Ordination:
Country of Ordination:
Ordination Diocese:
Seminary:
Date of Death:
Place of Death:
Melbourne VIC
Country of Death:
Australia
Date of Burial:
Place of Burial:
Melbourne VIC
Country of Burial:
Australia
Find A Grave URL:
Biographical Notes
Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Lake-Smith, Thomas
Teacher, spiritual guide; born Werribee, Victoria, 8 October 1931; died Melbourne, 17 August 2009, aged 77.
After being educated at the Good Shepherd Convent, Abbotsford, and Parade School, East Melbourne, 1946-49, Thomas Lake-Smith entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, Victoria, 1 February 1950, one of 26 novices to join that year: a record for the province. He completed juniorate and philosophy studies at Loyola before regency at Burke Hall, 1956-58, where he taught French, geography and history as well as being involved in perfecting and coaching sports teams. University studies followed at the University of Melbourne, majoring in English and history, before theology at Canisius College, Pymble, 1961-1964. Tertianship followed at Auriesville, New York, 1965-66.
After two years as socius to the master of novices at Loyola, Watsonia, 1966-67, Lake-Smith became involved in the ministry of education for 24 years in Jesuit schools in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, teaching at various times, religion, Latin, geography, and English, as well as being involved in a spiritual ministry to students and parents. He was a dedicated teacher, full of generosity and concern for individuals, and always the priest. He also involved himself in the sporting life of the schools.
He spent the years 1975-76 as an assistant pastor in the parish of the Immaculate Conception, Hawthorn.
From 2003, Lake-Smith was involved with the retreat ministry and spiritual direction at Campion House, Kew. In this work he was appreciated as a man of deep and honest faith, as well as gentle, approachable, sympathetic, humble and spiritual, one who gave encouragement, wisdom and counsel. He continued his involvement with the Christian Life Communities, a work he discovered and enjoyed while teaching at St Aloysius’ College, Milson’s Point. He also acted as part-time chaplain at Cabrini Hospital, Ashwood. Being minister of the house, he showed great care to the sick and elderly members of the community, even when he, himself, fell ill from cancer. It was this period of his life that was probably his happiest, connecting with people at a spiritual level. His joy and sense of humour flourished in a way not sensed before.
During his last days he spoke of his experience of God’s great love for him, and his appreciation of the love and care from his fellow Jesuits. He expressed gratitude for the many graces he received, and for the love and friendship of family and friends. In turn, he was very loyal and giving to them.
He was a man of varied interests. In his early Jesuit years he was a recognized expert on cars and Australian Rules football. In his latter days he expressed interest in the shape of orchids, unusual Russian words, lesser known Church documents and various web sites relating to the spiritual life.
(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)