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

Teacher, spiritual director, tertian and novice master; born Melbourne, 10 November 1932; died Sydney, 29 November 2001, aged 69.

Gerald Coleman entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, in 1951 at the age of 19, after studying civil engineering for a year at the University of Melbourne. After juniorate and philosophy studies at Watsonia, 1953-56, he did regency at St Louis School, Claremont, Western Australia, 1957-59. His students of mathematics and physics appreciated him, but he expressed difficulty in understanding the poor behaviour of some of them. He returned to the University of Melbourne in 1960 to complete an arts degree, and then proceeded to theology at Canisius College, Pymble, 1963-66. After a further two years teaching at St Louis, he went to tertianship at Auriesville, USA.

Upon his return to Australia, he taught mathematics and was, at various times, rector and deputy headmaster at Xavier College, Kew, 1969-82. He was happy here, for he was able to connect with his family and friends once more. He was also very devoted to long distance running, and would regularly join the cross-country team for the after school run. He spent 1976 as chaplain at St John Fisher University College, Hobart, as a break from the classroom.

His appointment as tertian instructor followed, 1983-94, at Canisius College, Pymble, and to the Philippines in 1989 to conduct the assistancy tertianship. Most of his tertians respected him for his integrity and the way he gently challenged them. His lectures were well researched and presented with conviction. He was also appointed a province consultor, 1990-98. The superior general wrote of his appreciation for Coleman’s commitment to these offices, and encouraged him, as province consultor, to speak for those whom he believed had not been given a fair hearing.

He was given a break in 1995, living at Riverview, but working in the Ignatian Spirituality Centre at Canisius College, mainly giving retreats and spiritual direction. From 1997-1999 he was master of novices, but when the first signs of cancer became apparent, he had a sabbatical at Riverview, and stayed there until his death. His health recovered sufficiently for him to give spiritual direction and to assist in establishing the Loyola Institute, a team to promote Ignatian values in Jesuit institutions. He was also appointed spiritual adviser to the Christian Life Communities. They experienced him as a wise and fearless counsellor, and they appreciated his keen sense of humour, and dependable and selfless contribution and commitment to the Communities.

Coleman was a simple man, devoid of pomp or ceremony, content to follow the regular religious life. His sermons and talks reflected a deep awareness of God's presence in his life, while attending his Mass was spiritually refreshing. He was a specialist on the life and spirit of St Ignatius Loyola, reading every book he could find about him. His room had many different pictures of the saint around the walls, with sayings that were important to him. His notes for lectures were extensive, showing his zeal in learning all he could about the spiritual life.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life as a gift, be it the company of friends, running along a beautiful beach, fine music, a good film, appreciating art or a well-cooked apple pie. His family was always an important part of his life, especially as his mother had died of tuberculosis when he was 11 years old; an event that caused him great grief at the time. At the same time he was a sensitive and reticent person, rarely revealing his true feelings, but when pressed, he gave his opinion clearly.

He was gentle, perceptive, kind and dignified. His engaging smile and quiet friendliness made him popular with those to whom he gave spiritual direction. Many testified to his skill as a guide. At the same time his life was very measured, never taking on more work than he believed he could easily handle, and keen on regular exercise and good eating habits.

His last weeks were filled with much pain, which he found very hard to endure. Towards the end the doctors were able to control the pain, and he became calmer, more relaxed, surrounded by his family and close friends. A few days before he died he received an advanced copy of his commentary on the autobiography of Saint Ignatius.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)