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

Teacher, writer; born Melbourne, 26 December 1931; died Melbourne, 29 September 1997, aged 65.

Brian Moore was educated by the Christian Brothers at Parade College, Melbourne, and entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, 1 February 1949. After a juniorate year in 1951, he studied philosophy at the same place, and then did regency at St Ignatius' College, Norwood, 1955-57, teaching junior religion and English, and St Aloysius' College, 1960. Among his duties at St Aloysius' was junior school sports master.

At Norwood, while umpiring a football match, he was so exasperated with the heckling of an irate parent that he gave him the whistle and said, 'see if you can do better'! He was the only scholastic of many during those years at Norwood to remain a Jesuit. University studies in arts at the University of Melbourne followed, 1958-59, before theology at Canisius College, Pymble, 1961-64. During this time he also obtained a B Litt degree from the University of New England, Armidale.

In 1964 he asked to go to the South American missions, and again during his tertianship. In 1967 he was preparing to go, with all necessary approvals, but withdrew at the last moment.

Before and after tertianship at Fiesole, Florence, 1966-67, he taught at St Aloysius' College, Milson's Point, until 1970. He was also prefect of studies for a year, and edited the Aloysian. In addition, he did some study for the M Ed degree from the University of Sydney, but discontinued because he did not consider the course worthwhile. Many of his students and staff appreciated his hard work and passionate teaching. He also helped in the province archives during 1970.

His next appointment was assistant editor of the Messenger, 1971, residing at St Ignatius', Richmond. During this year he wrote many articles. Parish work followed in Richmond, 1972-73, which he did not like, and then some teaching at Kostka Hall, Brighton, St Ignatius' College, Riverview, and Xavier College, Kew. 1974-79. During much of this time he enjoyed doing parish relief supplies during the school holidays. West Wallsend during 1972 was a particular favourite.

During 1977 the provincial offered him the job of Catholic Director of Education, Port Pirie Diocese. Moore showed initial interest, but turned it down eventually, believing that his main interest was in writing rather than administration.

Finally, he went to the Jesuit Theological College in 1980, where he wrote, tutored scholastics and university students, and edited the Ordo and Jesuit Life. For a time he was chaplain and writer-in-residence of the Caroline Chisholm Library. He remained at Parkville until his sudden death from heart attacks.

Moore was a most intelligent man, gifted especially in literature, poetry and theology. He was one of the most talented teachers in Jesuit schools, instructing students from Year 5 to Year 12 with equal skill and enthusiasm. He taught English, Latin, history and religion most of his teaching years. He was a creative thinker, and when given the opportunity of some administration as prefect of studies, his ideas challenged traditional procedures, which were not always appreciated. His presence at any college challenged people to wider cultural horizons. He contributed cultural articles to the Aloysian, edited a new prayer book for St Aloysius' College and designed crests for the college house patrons in 1978. He was one of the most prolific authors in the history of our province, including Men for Others; a book on the lives of Jesuit saints. He wrote many articles for the Madonna, and was the author of 37 books and 30 pamphlets, largely of a devotional nature. He showed great zeal for souls, love of Jesuit saints, and had a special devotion to Mary. His writing was always clear, concise and informative, and much in demand.

Theologically, Moore was orthodox in the Tridentine style, and his memory of Church tradition, especially that of the early Fathers of the Church, was prodigious. He gave special attention to the history of Marian devotions. However, although he was not sympathetic to the nuances and directions of post Vatican II theology, he was able to coexist with those who thought differently from him provided they were as rigorous in their thinking as he was. He appreciated the 'return to orthodoxy' of Dr George Pell as Archbishop of Melbourne.

Many Jesuits and lay teachers enjoyed Moore's company. He had a lively wit and a sharp tongue, and had little time for ignorance, inefficiency, double-dealing or injustice. He took special care of those in need, and treated people as they treated him. No one was more loyal to his friends than he was. To them he was total in his giving.

Many of his sayings were memorable. Speaking to a boy in class he exclaimed, 'Sit up F. Your posture makes a mockery of millions of years of evolution.' On another occasion when he was sports master of the junior school at St Aloysius' College, he answered a phone call from an irate parent complaining about incompetence at a recent sporting event, and said, 'Madam, I agree, I am far too intelligent to be a good sports master.' Once, when acting-headmaster of Kostka Hall for a few days, he gave a holiday to the school, that was not appreciated by the authorities. He was never given that position again. When asked by a superior who was attending a superiors' meeting, if he would like anything to happen during the meeting, Moore replied, 'Yes, a giant tidal wave'! Superiors did not always appreciate the sharpness of his tongue. This attitude stemmed from his being easily hurt by perceived injustices from superiors. When he was not happy with his place of residence, which usually resulted from a belief that he was not appreciated, he would leave at the earliest opportunity at the end of the term.

Soon after his time at Kostka Hall, Moore suffered a breakdown in health. Before that time he had been most generous with his days, doing Sunday parish supplies most weeks, and longer supplies during the school holidays. However, after his crise he was unable to bring himself to say a public Mass, and, indeed, took many years to concelebrate privately. He had lost confidence in himself to a remarkable degree.

This did not stop him working. He still had endless energy and completed tasks with much skill and efficiency. He took his duties as editor seriously, a task he accomplished with his usual eye for accurate detail.

At the Jesuit Theological College, apart from his job as guest master, his main work seemed to be proof reading of many essays given to him by scholastics, doctoral theses, manuscripts for books and countless articles. He took on the task of teaching the Vietnamese and Korean scholastics English, helping them with their assignments. Through these students he even helped other Asian students studying in Melbourne with their writing. Many were most grateful for his help and expressed thanks to him, but the ingratitude of others hurt him very much. He never expected gratitude. Some certainly used him for their own purposes.

He enjoyed working with Robert Davoren, and would spend much time with him, helping him with his assignments, especially correcting exercises and working on carpentry. They would go on journeys together, which he enjoyed very much. In earlier years he had spent much time collecting photos for Michael Hansen who was compiling a slide presentation of Australian cultural life. Moore attacked any task he took on with great energy and passion. He took pride in any work well done.

While not appearing to be particularly domesticated in his ways, Moore was indeed a gracious host, setting tables, organising laundry, caring for guests. He was a capable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for others. He was also a good tour guide around Melbourne, frequently taking his guests on long walks, and arranging for them to have an enjoyable stay.

Moore was a very sensitive man, and carried many hurts during his life, especially from his years of formation. He would be corrected for practicing his Italian with the gardener, or criticised for taking his students to live theatre or going to films during the major vacation. His difficulty with superiors in later life came from perceived harshness in earlier years. However, he seemed to be less vocal about these past pains in his latter years. He smoked and drank very heavily, probably as a palliative for his pain. He took very little care of his health, and always looked pale and poorly. He enjoyed an evening out with friends and was always good company. His stories were always most entertaining. Those who knew him well, and all of those who had been the recipient of his great kindness grieved his passing.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)