Vale Bert McGregor

Eulogy Bert McGregor 

02.11.1941 – 12.04.2023 

Eulogist  L B Collins cfc 

It is a privilege to be asked to deliver a eulogy for this remarkable man, who has been my good friend for 60 years.

Early Years 

James Albert McGregor, known as Bert, was born in 1941 in Aberdeen, Scotland, where for the first five years of his life he was cared for at Nazareth House orphanage. In 1947, he travelled to Australia on the Ormonde as one of the many post-war migrant children. In Perth, he spent about 10 years in orphanages, mainly at Castledare and Clontarf. 

Christian Brothers

 In 1957, Bert decided to join the Christian Brothers, and entered the Brothers Juniorate, firstly in Strathfield and then Bundoora. As his previous education had been sadly inadequate, he found himself to be well behind his fellow students. He later reflected, “I really loved the education I received, my fellow students and the educational environment. The teachers gave me a love of learning and I flourished.” And flourish he did! While it took him five years, he successfully matriculated, in later years he gained both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Tasmania and a Master of Education degree in Scotland. 

His three years of formation as a Christian Brother, 1962-1965, were spent at Lower Plenty, Bundoora and Box Hill. I was a member of that large group: we formed strong bonds, and most have continued to meet and support one another over the ensuing 60 years. When Bert shared his autobiography and life journey with a group of us at a weekend gathering in northern Tasmania in 2004, it was a time of very special sharing and healing. 

 As a Christian Brother, Bert taught for 30 years, in a variety of situations 

• High Schools – Ballarat, Broadmeadows & East Melbourne 
• Technical Schools – Geelong & Abbotsford 
• Boys Home – South Melbourne 
• Laotoka in Fiji 
• Mahenge in Tanzania 

Bert was a very successful teacher who made a major impact on his students. He was described as enthusiastic, charismatic, and creative, possessing a remarkable variety of talents. While his specialities were art and music, he seemed able to turn his hand to almost anything. At St Virgil’s Austins Ferry, he performed capably as the Deputy Principal. 

Bert Had a special love of Fiji. He started a College Band with second hand instruments donated by Melbourne Schools following the closure of cadets. This Band still exists using the same instruments and leads the way at all celebrations in Laotoka. 

However, he was not a particularly good team player. He usually had strong views on what was required, and he pursued them with enthusiasm and determination, but these priorities were not necessarily those of the school management. 

Africa Legacy 

Bert made it abundantly clear that he wished to be involved with those at the margins. Somehow, before seeking any congregational permission, he committed himself to assist at a minor seminary in Mahenge, a remote town in Tanzania. While his Superiors were disconcerted and gave only reluctant approval for his solo ministry venture, subsequently they were conscientious in visiting and supporting him. During this process, they became aware of the substantial needs and possibilities of the region. Indeed, after a lengthy discernment process, St Patrick’s Province eventually took the decision to make East Africa a major missionary focus and invest significant resources and personnel. This decision was later endorsed by the newly created Oceania Province. 

I consider Bert to have been the catalyst for this major change in Congregation priorities and planning; while Bert did not directly bring it about, it would never have eventuated without his initiative. Hence, he leaves an extraordinary legacy. 

Abuse 

In 1991, Bert was granted two years home leave in Scotland, during which he was able to first find, and then reconnect with, the family that he had not previously known. He also took this opportunity to undertake further academic studies.

Up to that time Bert had kept strictly secret the tragic fact during his time as a boy at Castledare and Clontarf, one particular Brother had frequently abused him. Bert had always assumed that he had been the only victim. Now, many years later, he became aware, firstly from an individual research project he had conducted, and then through numerous media reports, that there had been many victims. 

Bert was devastated. He suffered a breakdown and post-traumatic stress. During this period of depression and confusion, he decided to leave the Brothers. 

• In his powerful autobiography, With God Behind the 8 Ball, 
• in submissions to various Commissions, and
• in media interviews.

Bert described in detail and with honesty and skill, exactly what took place and its effects were on him. Some of it makes harrowing reading.

Since then, Bert struggled with his relationship with the Christian Brothers. He was honest and articulate in expressing both the many benefits and assistance they had given him, but also the great damage done to him while in their care. 

He wrote, “I have spoken to the Brothers about returning to the order, but I don't feel like I am able to psychologically. Living in my Hermitage is the only logical way for me to live.” However, he expressed the strong wish that he be buried in the Brothers cemetery at Bundoora – a request that is honoured today.

Regardless of his canonical status, he remained a true follower of Blessed Edmund Rice. 

Final Years

In 2000 Bert bought a house in Burnie, Tasmania, and lived 'as a hermit' for the next 20 years. He became a disability support worker and took up painting miniatures. Painting became a daily morning practice starting about 5.00 am. His miniatures hang in Brothers’ houses across the world. Bert took great delight in meeting young East African Brothers who visited Tasmania. After a fall in early 2020 which damaged his spine. he spent a long time in hospitals in Burnie and Launceston while the COVID pandemic raged around him. 

The last two years he spent in aged care in Ulverstone, Tasmania. He enjoyed visits from Brothers and others including former students from Fiji who now live in Australia. 

In Conclusion

In terms of living simply and being in touch with nature, Bert was modern day version of Saint Francis of Assisi.

He had highly developed skills in self-reflection and what is now known as the practice of Journal Writing. 

Bert’s consistent identification with the poor and oppressed comes from his own experiences of suffering and being an outcast 

Bert was a prophetic figure, devoting his life and energies assist the poor and

afflicted. A prophet, but not a diplomat.         

He was resilient in dealing with adversity.

The following quote illustrates his deep religious faith in God “I reminded myself that I had religion. I think that my love of God really was my saviour. I surrendered to God at that time and it was a turning point in my life.” 

Vale Bert McGregor – a true follower of Blessed Edmund Rice.

If this article has caused you any distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or other counselling services. 

Any allegations of abuse should be reported to the Christian Brothers Professional Standards Office on 03 8359 0134 or email pso@edmundrice.org.