Lima, Peru
In Loving Memory of Brother Peter Clinch
The Passing of Congregation Leader Br Peter Clinch
The passing of Brother Peter Clinch cfs
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Brother Peter Clinch, the esteemed Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers. Brother Peter left this world on Sunday, 28th January 2024, at Tor Vergata Hospital in Rome, Italy, at the age of 70.
Born and raised in Australia, Brother Peter was a cherished member of the Christian Brothers community. His journey as a Christian Brother provides an inspiring story. His leadership style was not only inspiring but also brought insightful perspectives to the challenges facing the world today.
Brother Peter’s appointment as Congregation Leader was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the values of education, compassion, and faith. As a leader, he exemplified the principles of the Christian Brothers, fostering a sense of community and instilling a passion for learning among those he encountered.
The 2020 Congregation Chapter that commenced in March 2020 in Lima, Peru was prorogued after two weeks due to the Covid 19 pandemic that swept the world. The Chapter reconvened in Dublin, Ireland at the Emmaus Centre from January 23 to February 5, 2022, where Br Peter Clinch was elected Congregation Leader.
Peter’s journey as a Christian Brother
Peter had been a Christian Brother for over 45 years. He was a trained secondary school teacher and involved with Edmund Rice Camps for many year. Peter had held leadership and administrative roles with the Christian Brothers and he was currently the the Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers global community. Prior to this role, he was the Province Leader of the Christian Brothers Oceania Province. Earlier in his career, Peter was a pastoral worker with people seeking asylum to Australia. Peter had also completed studies in theology and spirituality.
Congregation Leader
In 2022, leaders of the Congregation of Christian Brothers gathered for the General Chapter in Dublin. This was a time of discernment and decision-making, achieved through prayer, active listening, and discussion amongst those gathered. The theme for this General Chapter was listening, discipleship, and ministry among poor and disenfranchised people. It was at this time and amongst this global gathering of the Christian Brothers community that Brother Peter was elected as Congregation Leader.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Brother Peter’s family, both biological and within the Christian Brothers’ community. We hope that they find solace in the memories of a life well-lived and the positive impact he made on countless individuals. We ask that you join us in keeping his family and community in your thoughts and prayers.
Standing (l to r) Brothers Hugo Cáceres, John Casey (Deputy Leader), Senan D’Souza - Seated (l to r)) Brothers David Ryan Silva, Peter Clinch (Congregation Leader)
Brother Peter’s passing will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and mentor, we also celebrate the profound influence he had on shaping the futures of countless students and the broader Christian Brothers community.
May Brother Peter Clinch rest in peace, and may his legacy inspire us to continue the work he dedicated his life to – nurturing minds, fostering compassion, and strengthening the bonds of community.
Rest In Peace, Brother Peter Clinch.
Since 1802 the work that Edmund Rice started has spread to 30 countries….
The Christian Brothers first came to parts of the Oceania Province in 1843. The presence of the Christian Brothers in Oceania began in Sydney and quickly spread throughout Australia, to New Zealand and then later through Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Timor Leste.
Wilson’s Promontory, Australia