Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017, post-publication supplement:
Prendiville, John Gerald, STD

Theologian, spiritual director, pastor, administrator; born Northam, WA, 13 March 1929; died Perth, WA, 30 November 2024, aged 95.

John Prendiville will be remembered by those who knew him as a most courteous, kind, and charming companion and colleague, a cultured, urbane man. He was respected and admired for his leadership in theological and spiritual matters in the Archdiocese of Perth, cherished for his wisdom, wit and bonhomie. Being a nephew of the former Archbishop of Perth, Redmond Prendiville, added to his stature.

For his secondary education, he was educated by the Jesuits at St Louis School, Claremont before entering the Jesuit noviciate, Loyola College, Watsonia, in 1945. He remained eight years at Loyola, studying at The Melbourne University, 1947,51-52, gaining the BA (Hons) degree, and three years studying philosophy.

Prendiville enjoyed his regency years, 1953-mid 1955, at Saint Ignatius' College, Norwood, SA, before moving to theology studies (STL) at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, and where he was ordained, 26 July 1958. Tertianship followed at Pray Le Monial, France, 1959-60.

He remained overseas, attending the University of Oxford, gaining the MA degree in Modern History while residing at Campion Hall, 1960-63.

Returning to Australia in 1964, he was posted to the newly opened theologate in Melbourne, Corpus Christi College, Glen Waverley, where he taught Church History, and prepared for the STD in patristics at the Heythrop Athenauem, Oxford. He completed the doctorate in 1967, and remained at Corpus Christi, teaching, and as rector, 1969-71. Theological formation after Vatican II was challenging to those in authority who did not understand the rationale for changes suggested by the Council. Prendiville initiated new methods of teaching at the Seminary, such as tutorials, theological discussions, and an openness in the formation of seminarians. Such initiatives were not appreciated by some influential bishops of Victoria, making life difficult for Prendiville, who was very sensitive to criticism. After three years he retired as rector and went to Western Australia, as rector of St Thomas More University College, 1972-74 and began lecturing in Church history and scripture within the archdiocese.

Guiding tertiary students in College was challenging for Prendiville, but he was ably assisted by Bro Bruce Robertson as Minister, who initiated needed changes in the administration and culture of the College that were lasting. It was during his tenure that women were first enrolled at the College.

Prendiville then began his most influential work as theological teacher to the Catholic teachers of WA as founding director of the Catholic Pastoral Institute of WA. In this role he implemented the vision of the Conference of Bishops in WA and Vatican II. He had almost continuous association with the teaching and administrative programme of the Institute. After he concluded his period as Director (1975-1981), he continued as a member of the teaching staff, admired for his teaching skills, lecturing in scripture and Church history. As well as his resolute involvement in the teaching programme, he played a major role in the preparation of the booklets Reflection and Discussion of the Gospels that were produced by the Institute. These booklets proved to be popular, as seen from the number of sales.

Until 2013, Prendiville resided at Southwell House, Claremont.

After a sabbatical at Campion Hall, Oxford, 1984, he was a lecturer in Church history and scripture at the Perth College of Divinity (1987), the WA College of Advanced Education (1987-90), Edith Cowan University (1991-2000) and Murdoch University (1988-2000). During this time, he was the local superior (1988-2011). After the period of lecturing, he was a retreat director (2001-2011) and cared for the administration of the Jesuit residence and was appreciated for his warm welcoming of guests.

When the Jesuits departed from Claremont, Prendiville moved to the Jesuit run parish of Nedlands (June 2013-2017), from which he continued his many years of service to the sisters at the Carmel Monastery within the parish, and to the Mercy sisters. He continued his longtime work as friend and supporter of the Christian Life Community in WA. For many years, he said Mass monthly in French at St Thomas More Chapel for the French speaking community of Perth, ably assisted by his friend and colleague, Joyce Dunphy.

Following the departure of the Jesuits from WA in 2018, Prendiville retired to the Mercy Place Mont Clare, Claremont, a nursing home at the former St Louis' School site, where he remained until his death, saying Mass for the residents. He enjoyed this stage of his life having more time for theological reading and reflection.

Prendiville was a very private person, reserved, and even a recluse at times, but always ready to engage others when approached. He was the longest-serving Jesuit in Western Australia, and superior of the Jesuits for many years.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)