Rev Patrick Tracey SJ
Title:
Rev
First Name:
Patrick
Middle Names:
John
Preferred Name:
Surname:
Tracey
Order:
SJ
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Fitzroy, Melbourne 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:
Boroondara, Kew 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:
Tracey, Patrick
Pastor; born Fitzroy, Melbourne, 15 August 1915; died Melbourne, 26 July 1977, aged 61.
Patrick Tracey was educated at St Paul's, Coburg, and at St Patrick's College, East Melbourne, 1921-33. He entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, 3 March 1934. He studied humanities in English, Latin, Greek and history, and then philosophy at Watsonia until 1940. Regency followed at St Louis School, Perth, 1941-44, and theology at Canisius College, Pymble, 1945-48. Tertianship was completed the following year at Loyola College, Watsonia.
During studies Tracey was well remembered for his theatrical performances; he had a good, strong voice and totally lacked any shyness. He was also the regular master of ceremonies at liturgical celebrations and ordinations. He maintained his interest in the liturgy throughout his life.
While in regency Tracey taught physics, algebra, geometry, singing, speech training and Australian history, and was also involved with physical culture, cadet training, debating, theatricals, liturgies, and was the study hall prefect.
Tracey returned as a priest to teach at St Louis School, Perth, 1950-54, and was also minister and procurator. In addition, he was spiritual father and director of the Sodality of BVM. He gave half-weekly broadcasts on the radio 'Catholic Hour', preached occasional addresses in the diocese, and gave retreats.
He went to St Ignatius' parish, Norwood, 1955-64, where he worked in the parish, gave retreats and missions, as well as public lecture courses to the Catholic Alcoholics Anonymous Society, and was master of ceremonies in the church.
He was appointed the first parish priest of Attadale, Perth, 1965-71, inheriting a fine new, post Vatican II church, which gave scope to his liturgical expertise. He built a new presbytery. The previous parish priest had lived at the local girls' school, Santa Maria.
Tracey was later appointed parish priest of Hawthorn, 1972-74, and after a much valued overseas sabbatical in 1975, he set up the retreat house at Campion College, Kew, but died suddenly from heart disease soon after his appointment as director of retreats.
He was one of the largest men of the province, tall and stout, with a strong, forceful personality. His strengths were in liturgical celebrations and in giving retreats.
(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)