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

Teacher, administrator, spiritual director; born Hay, NSW, 17 October 1919; died Brisbane, 27 May 2010, aged 90.

John Drury was the sixth child of eight, from a strong, zealous, Catholic family. His father was a musician who ran a store that sold musical instruments and offered music lessons. Music was an important part of family life, and Drury showed this talent later at Riverview with his commitment to liturgical music.

Drury was educated at the Presentation Convent School in Hay up to the Intermediate, 1925-33. He then went to the State High School for a term in 1934. After two terms at Forbes Marist Brothers, he went to Riverview as a border in 1935 for the Leaving Certificate, but because he contracted pneumonia during that year, he was unable to return to school for many months, and completed the Leaving the following year. In that year he was runner-up Dux of his class and runner up in mathematics (honours), history and English. He was first in Religious Knowledge (receiving the Archbishop’s prize), Latin (honours) and French. He was captain of his rugby and cricket teams, and a member of the Sodality of Our Lady.

He entered the Society at Loyola, Watsonia, 16 February 1937, and followed the usual Jesuit course of studies of philosophy and theology. He gained an honours Arts degree at the University of Melbourne, 1939 and 1943-44, studying English Language and Literature, Latin and Greek. His BA thesis was on the Douai English translation of the New Testament as a piece of English translation and its merits compared with other translations.

During these years of formation, his colleagues not only observed Drury as talented academically, but also as a stylish batsman, a fine singer, speaker and actor. Whatever he did, he put his whole heart into it because he believed it was what God and the Society wanted of him. At times he was a little too serious, but a very pleasant companion, and much admired and respected.

His regency was at St Ignatius’ College, Riverview, 1945-47, and he returned there after ordination and tertianship, 1953-61. During those years at Riverview he taught Latin, Greek, English and religion and directed the senior Sodalities. More importantly he is remembered as a division prefect, sports master, and coach of the senior teams of rugby and cricket. He was a proto-type ‘College man’, and being lean, spare, and direct, he received the nickname, ‘Jack the man’. In all his roles he was a strong disciplinarian, with not much flexibility and demanding, but generally fair. This was not always appreciated by his young charges at the time. As a Jesuit he was a man of the Rule, dedicated, very hard working from early morning until late at night, with little free time during term time. He was a man of deep spirituality and worked hard to communicate this to his students. He had a lasting love of Riverview, and in later years, welcomed an invitation to attend gatherings of Old Boys at the college. He was always an honoured guest.

From 1962-68 Drury was rector of St Patrick’s College, East Melbourne. These years proved very difficult for him, as he was given the task to close down the school. This may have been the first time as a Jesuit when he was not able to direct the course of events. He was the instrument of others, faithfully and obediently closing an institution so dear to his heart, a most painful task. Others paid tribute to his dedication, patience and loyalty, and they believed that he became a softer man after these years.

Upon the closure of St Patrick’s the families were given the option of sending their sons to Xavier College, Kew, at the same fees of St Patrick’s. Drury accompanied these boys to Xavier to make smooth their transition to a very different school.

It was also at this time that the Australian Province was undergoing radical renewal, and there was much discussion about the future direction of all works currently undertaken. The provincial of the time, Peter Kelly, asked Drury, together with Peter Dwyer, to undertake a formal review of all Jesuit works. This involved the drawing up of position papers, consultation in the communities of the province, reporting on discussions and finally producing a ‘position paper’ about that work. Drury undertook this task with great thoroughness and efficiency, and his work was much appreciated.

It must have been during these years that Drury was thinking about changing direction in his life. In 1972 he was appointed parish priest of St Ignatius, Toowong, and it was during this year that he became involved with the Better World Movement. However, the following year he was back in administration of the province, as socius to the new provincial, Patrick O’Sullivan, who wanted a wise and respected Jesuit at his side. The provincial commented that Drury was not only a great support, but also a steadying influence! This lasted only a year, as in 1974 he went to St Louis, USA, for studies in spirituality.

He returned to Australia, and Canisius College, Pymble in 1976, as the first Director of the Centre of Ignatian Spirituality. This involved promoting Jesuit spirituality in NSW, through directed retreats, renewal courses in the spirit of Vatican II, and spiritual direction. Drury was so successful in this task, he wished to share his spiritual gifts in a wider context, and so began a wide-ranging spiritual ministry in Queensland, South Africa and the Pacific Islands, 1983-2008, based first at St Leo’s University College, and then at the parish of Toowong.

Drury worked with Sister Delphine O’Shea MSS and a group of lay people during this time, and in 2006, the Faber Centre of Ignatian Spirituality was established, which brought this work together under one umbrella, and would continue the spiritual work he had begun. Drury was a foundation member of this Centre until he could no longer work and retired to the Canossa Nursing Home, Brisbane in 2008.

He had also worked at the Wesley Hospital bringing his healing ministry to the sick, liberating those imprisoned by fears, anxiety and resentment, bringing them peace. As a much sort after confessor he was experienced as firm, no-nonsense, showing great understanding, helping the penitent to deepen their faith, to produce greater fruit. His confessions were a truly priestly encounter. ‘Jack the Man’ truly became John the spiritual guide.

Drury was a genuinely loved family man. He was good, cheery company and was always present when his family needed succour and understanding. He participated in family marriages and anniversaries, as well as funerals. Indeed, his whole life was for others, and people loved him for his generous, giving spirit.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)