Bro Emmanuel

Writeout on 60^th Anniversary of Bro Emmanuel as Brother of St Gabriel’s in 2013 for SGSS School Annual

Always jovial, inspiring and a role-model for so many of us, Brother Emmanuel first came to Singapore in 1954 and began his teaching career at Montfort School, then called Holy Innocents’ English School. He was also Principal of Boys’ Town English School/ Assumption English School (1960, 1963 - 1966), St Gabriel’s School (1960 - 1963,1969- to 1974) and Director of Boys’ Town for more than 30 years.

Born on 28 October 1933 in Montreal, Canada, Brother. Emmanuel came from a family of 10 children and grew up in a Gabrielite institution. During an outing to a Gabrielite training centre at St Bruno,  one of the Gabrielite brothers told Bro. Emmanuel ,“Have a good look. This is the place where people who wish to give their lives to God as brothers can come. And I think God may have an invitation for you.”. Those words  inspired him as well as a desire to help others like St Louis Marie de Montfort did. Other Brothers like  Bro. Dede , his teacher, nurtured his vocation

Brother Emmanuel became a Singapore citizen when Singapore gained independence and has dedicated himself to his adopted country. His many services to the nation were recognized when he was awarded the Public Service Medal by the Singapore Government. In 1995, he was given the Public Service Star in appreciation of his commitment to the youth of Singapore. He continues to serve as Justice of Peace, Chairman of the Catholic Welfare Services and of course, our beloved Supervisor of Schools!

During these 58 years in Singapore, Brother Emmanuel has touched countless lives at Holy Innocent's English School, St. Gabriel's and Boys' Town and through the many Catholic ministries he has been involved in.

God Bless You, Brother Emmanuel! Thank you for the very special and unique Montfortian way you pray, care and inspire us l! Ad Multos Annos!

A self portrait of a Smiling Tiger

The gentle soft-spoken Gabrielite Brother has a nickname ‘The Smilng Tiger;, a disciplinarian who whose cane has graced the backsides of many old boys – perhaps even of some priests who were his students. He was strict but always fair, reasonable and caring. 

My policy is,  “If you are brave enough to break the school rules, you are brave enough to take the punishment. I don’t think any of the old students who got caned have come to me and say I had mistreated them because I always give them a chance to explain themselves.” Bro Emmanuel said. “No one should ever cane a boy on impulse.” he cautioned.

Many of those whom he caned have told him of the need for the discipline they received from him and he is happy to know he has been a positive influence in their lives. They tell him, “What you told us is true, Brother”. Brother Emmanuel had told them that “if you continue like that, you will end up in prison some day.” And those who went away with bad memories are the ones who return with their children!” Brother Emmanuel laughed. “It is very sacred because when they become role models, it’s worth 10 lessons of my cathechism classes!”

 Brother Emmanuel promised God that he would not stop serving and is living his proise, actively serving the needs of the Catholic community in Singapore at Boys’ Town and through the Catholic Welfare Services, just to name a few. The Gabrielite Brother aspires to go on for as long as God is willing.