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

Teacher, administrator, writer, pastor; born Bunbury, WA, 22 February 1935; died Melbourne, 3 July 2020, aged 85.

Terence James Kelly was educated at St Louis School, Perth, and then Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne. He entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, 1 February 1954, and studied philosophy there, 1956-1958. Science studies at The University of Melbourne began, 1959-60, and completed in 1963, majoring in chemistry. Regency was at St Louis, Perth, 1961-62, where he taught religion and chemistry, and at St Patrick's College, East Melbourne, 1964, teaching religion and senior geography, as well as being involved in the Cadets, and sports.

Theology followed at Canisius College, Pymble, 1965-68, and he was ordained, 9 December 1967, at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, by Archbishop James Knox. Tertianship, 1972, was at Campion College with director Father Val Moran. Kelly was professed 15 August 1977.

Kelly was missioned to two schools during his apostolic life. The first was Xavier College, Kew, 1969-77, and the second, St Ignatius' College, Athelstone, Adelaide, 1978-2018. While at Xavier he was at various times, housemaster, and vice-rector, while teaching senior physics, mathematics, and religion. At Athelstone, he was rector,1978-83, then vice-rector,1984-89, while teaching mathematics, religion, and science. In later years he taught philosophy and religious studies as well. From 2014 he was involved with school chaplaincy and was available for parish supplies.

Kelly moved to Campion House in late 2018, and shortly afterwards lived at Nazareth House, Camberwell, as his health deteriorated.

In their report to Rome, Fathers Justin Glyn and Christopher Horvat, in an appreciation of Kelly, signalled out his love of science, philosophy, theology, sport, teaching and preaching. But above all, he was a 'schools' man'. His interest in science led to writing a few books popularising the interface between science and religion that included Reason and Religion in an Age of Science; Stars, Life, and Intelligence: Being Darwinian and a Believer; and the A-Z of People of Faith and Science.

Kelly was the longest-serving Jesuit member of staff in the history of St Ignatius' College, Adelaide, where he served for close to 41 years and made an outstanding contribution. He had great rapport with students who also admired his teaching. Likewise, staff revered him for his example and prayerful reflections. People responded to his humour, kindness, and compassion. He enjoyed weekend pastoral work in parishes, preparing his homilies with great care. His memory was prodigious, and his companions enjoyed his company.

In his funeral homily, Paul Mullins spoke of Kelly as a great mimic, much appreciated by his Jesuit audience. As his superior, Mullins reflected that Kelly was adept for 'his ability to turn non-compliance into an art form'. He had a loving devotion to his family, journeying to Melbourne each year for holidays and catch up with relatives. He had a healthy reserve for the effectiveness of lengthy community meetings.

Once he delighted in circumventing arrangements by one provincial, who decided to replace him as rector of Athelstone under the usual six years term of office. Kelly was in Rome at the time, took the matter to Fr General's assistant, explaining that the office of rector at Athelstone was the General's appointment. The result was that Kelly was reinstated.

Kelly relished pastoral engagements. Each Easter he would celebrate the ceremonies for Sr Janet Mead's Romero community in Adelaide. This reflected his deep respect for their commitment to the poor and marginalised. He was also a great supporter for the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)