Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev Myles Patrick (Pat) Smith, died 9 Sep 2011

Myles Patrick Smith was born in Marrickville, Sydney on 17th March 1935 to Frances Smith (nee Carrucan) and Arthur Henry Smith. His two sisters Mary Ann O'Callaghan and Margaret Frances Cortissos are both living. Since writing this we have heard that Mary-Ann O'Callaghan died in 2013.
His Lower Primary education was at St John's School, Clifton Hill in Victoria, run by the Sisters of Charity and his Upper Primary and Junior Secondary Education was at St Thomas's School Clifton Hill, Victoria, run by the Christian Brothers. His Senior Secondary Education was completed at the Christian Brothers' Juniorate in Strathfield, NSW. He completed his novitiate at Minto, NSW and his Scholasticate at Mount St Mary's, Strathfield NSW.
As a Christian Brother he served in many and varied roles including: Teacher at every level from Year 3 to Tear 12; Deputy Principal and Principal; Curriculum Co-ordinator; English Subject Co-ordinator' Senior Master and Senior Residential Master; Director of Liturgy – Choir Master; Sports Master; Concert Master; Debating Master; Officer of Cadets with the rank of Major; House Bursar and Superior.
Pat Smith's first visit to the Toowoomba Diocese was in 1992 when he visited his friend Fr Merv Ziesing then Parish Priest of Charleville. Whilst living in Charleville with Fr Merv, Fr Merv had a heart attack and Pat took over the running of the parish while Fr Merv was recuperating. So began Pat's search for a ministry to which he could dedicate the rest of his life. Pat immersed himself in the life of the parish community and found his growing relationship with the people life-giving as well as challenging.
In 1994 Pat was appointed Pastoral Associate to the parish and remained in Charleville until June 1997 when he was transferred to Texas as the Pastoral Leader. Thus began a journey of love and friendship with the community who became his life and they became his.
During his time in Texas as a Brother people would ask him 'Why can't you celebrate Mass?' and he had to explain to them the difference between the Priesthood and being a Brother. He explained it clearly and at the end would say 'Now do you understand?' and invariably they would answer 'Yes, Father.'
He approached Bishop William Morris about becoming a priest so that he could celebrate Mass with the parish and after some additional study he was ordained in St Patrick's Cathedral, Toowoomba on 22 May 2003 by Bishop William Morris. Fr Pat already had a degree in Theology.
Pat was able to unite the spirituality of a Christian Brother with the spirituality of a priest.
Because a lot of the people in the area were Italians, he learned to speak Italian as he would be able to relate to the people much more intimately in their own language.
During his active ministry he served five years as Secretary of the Council of Priests and in 2004 was a Delegate to the Diocesan Education Board.
Fr Pat became heavily involved in Civic Affairs and whilst in Charleville and Texas became involved in Anzac Day and Armistice Day.
When ill health forced him to retire in October 2006, his heart was broken to have to leave those he loved so much. His pastoral relationship had transformed him. He was still the teacher, his spiritual roots were still those of a Christian Brother but those to whom he had ministered had also ministered to him, softened him and helped him turn all those experiences not only to knowledge, but also into wisdom.
He moved to Lourdes Home, Toowoomba and ministered to people in the nursing home. When health permitted he would celebrate Mass at St Theresa's in Toowoomba and also heard Confessions in the Cathedral every Saturday. That fulfilled his life as best it could now that he couldn't get around as he used to. He returned to Texas when he was able to, to conduct funerals and weddings.
He was forever a student, studying and writing right up until a few days before he died…
Reverend Father Myles Patrick (Pat) Smith, former Parish Priest of Texas and former Christian Brother, died peacefully on 9th September after a long battle with illness, aged 76 years.
Fr Pat's funeral Mass was celebrated in St Patrick's Cathedral, Toowoomba, at 10.00am on 15th September. Bishop William Morris and Bishop Brian Finnigan concelebrated the Mass with over 30 priests of the diocese. He is buried in the Garden of Remembrance in Toowoomba.

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.