Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017, post-publication supplement:
Romanin, Ferruccio

Pastor, teacher, administrator; born Friuli, Italy, 25 June 1929; died Melbourne, 28 October 2024, aged 95.

One of nine siblings, six of whom were born in Italy, Romanin was born in Friuli, northern Italy, when Benito Mussolini was in power. When he was a small child, his family migrated to Australia and settled in Melbourne, where they faced many hardships setting up a home in a new country. He was educated at the local primary school in Carlton, the Salesian College at Rupertswood, then St Patrick's College, East Melbourne for one year and Xavier College, Kew for four years.

After completing his schooling, Romanin entered the Jesuits in 1948 at Loyola College, Watsonia, where he did his noviceship, juniorate and philosophy. Those studies were interrupted by a year of teaching at Xavier College – Burke Hall. After philosophy, he taught for a couple of years at Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview, then moved to Canisius College, Pymble to study theology and prepare for priestly ordination, which took place at St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne on 6 January 1961. He was able to return to his native land for tertianship in Florence (Sept '62 to July '63) under Fr Igino Ganzi.

Before and after tertianship Romanin worked at Riverview, where he taught science, history, art, Latin and religion, and was rowing master and minister, providing for the material needs of the large Jesuit and boarding community. Forthright in his approach, he was able to apply his practical skills in engineering and building as he monitored the large construction programs then under way.

Two years of teaching at Xavier College in Melbourne followed, 1974-75, then Romanin was given the opportunity to study spiritual theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome with the intention of taking a new direction. However, this plan was superseded as his practical skills were again called upon and Fr General appointed him minister at the Gregorian for three years, 1977-79.

After returning to Australia in 1980, Romanin entered the parish ministry in Melbourne, firstly at Hawthorn and then at Richmond. He remained at the latter place for fourteen years, making a major contribution as parish priest and superior (1988-96), hospital and parish school chaplain, catechist in state schools and pastor to the Italian community, which included members of his own family. The ancient presbytery was internally rebuilt, much of it with his own hands; he restored the well outside it and made many improvements to St Ignatius' Church, for which he had a great love.

After completing his time there, Romanin moved to Canisius College at Pymble, 1997-2000, where, as minister, he set about remodelling and repairing the decaying older buildings. Then in 2001 he returned to Rome for another stint, this time doing nine years as Rector of the famous early 17th century Church of Sant' Ignazio, which adjoins the former Roman College (founded by St Ignatius) and is now the property of the Italian Government. He took great pride in its patrimony and welcomed many visitors to the Eternal City.

In 2010 Romanin returned to Richmond, where he remained as assistant priest for close to ten years and where even in old age, he could be found at the top of a ladder inspecting the spire of the church. In the first couple of years, he also assisted as chaplain at Burke Hall. In August 2019 he retired to Campion House, Kew, and eventually moved to Nazareth House, Camberwell, where he died peacefully at the age of 95, having been a Jesuit for 76 years.

A wonderful homemaker, Romanin left his mark in the fabric of houses, churches and colleges in Australia and Rome. But he was as at home amongst people as he was in the workshop, encouraging them with his keen interest. His facility with languages enabled him to span three continents, ministering to people in Europe, Australia and South America, where he spent time in Chile and Argentina.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)