Rev Patrick Smyth SM
Title:
Rev
First Name:
Patrick
Middle Names:
Joseph
Preferred Name:
Surname:
Smyth
Order:
SM
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Co Limerick
Country of Birth:
Ireland
Date of Ordination:
Place of Ordination:
Hastings
Country of Ordination:
New Zealand
Ordination Diocese:
Seminary:
Date of Death:
Place of Death:
Christchurch
Country of Death:
New Zealand
Date of Burial:
Place of Burial:
Temuka
Country of Burial:
New Zealand
Find A Grave URL:
Biographical Notes
Rev. Father P.J. Smyth, S.M., Evening Post, Wellington, 27 May 1953, p 10, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19530527.2.98.1:
A man who made his mark as a zealous pastor wherever he was stationed, and in particular will he be remembered by parishioners of the Thorndon, Karori, and Northland parishes, whom he served for about 18 years, the Rev. Father Patrick Joseph Smyth, S.M., died at Lewisham Hospital, Christchurch, early this morning after an illness lasting about a year.
As administrator to Archbishop Redwood and parish priest of Thorndon for close on 20 years, Father Smyth endeared himself to his parishioners by his zeal in all phases of the Church's work. Possessing remarkable powers of organisation. he was responsible for the arrangements connected with the celebration of the archbishop's golden jubilee in 1924 and assisted again for the diamond jubilee 10 years later. He was responsible for the erection of St. Francis' Hall, he built a church at Karori, and another at Northland, which was later burnt down, and, following the death of Archbishop Redwood, he was responsible for the erection of two side altars to his memory in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Hill Street.
When the diocesan clergy took over Thorndon from the Marist Order early in 1936, Father Smyth went to Timaru, where he was responsible for the erection of the new St. Patrick's High School. After that he went as parish priest and later as assistant at Temuka.
Born in 1879 in County Limerick, Ireland, Father Smyth was educated at St. Mary's College. Dundalk, and, after coming to New Zealand, studied for the priesthood at the Marist seminary, Meeanee, before being ordained at Hastings in 1905. He was curate at Hastings for a number of years and was in Timaru before coming to Thorndon in 1917.
Father Smyth accompanied Archbishop Redwood to the eucharistic congresses in Amsterdam, Chicago, Ireland, and Sydney, the last mentioned in 1928.
In his young days Father Smyth was a keen sportsman, being a particularly fine cricketer. He represented South Canterbury for a number of years, and was regarded as an excellent batsman. Father Smyth also gave a great amount of his time to the advancement and support of Rugby.
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Rev. Father P.J. Smyth, Press, Christchurch, 28 May 1953, p 10, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19530528.2.109:
The Rev. Father Patrick Joseph Smyth, one of New Zealand’s best-known Marist priests, died at Lewisham Hospital, Christchurch, early yesterday morning.
Born in 1879 in County Limerick, Ireland, Father Smyth was educated at St. Mary’s College, Dundalk, and later at Paignton in the south of England. After completing his studies in New Zealand, he was ordained at the Marist Fathers' Seminary at Meeanee, Hawke's Bay, in 1905.
Father Smyth was first appointed to the parish of Timaru and later to Nelson. Then, for 22 years, he was administrator of the parish of Thomdon, Wellington, under Archbishop Redwood.
Father Smyth returned to Canterbury in 1936, and became parish priest of Timaru. In 1942 he was appointed parish priest at Temuka. Failing health caused his retirement about three years ago.
Outstanding ability as an administrator and close attention to pastoral work were Father Smyth’s chief characteristics. Under his guidance, many churches and schools were built.