The following comments are only a selection of quotations from different people who knew Br Louis personally. These people described him as if they knew him in real life. The extracts include comments that add substantial material relating to his personality, and some statements refer to the influence he had on the writers. At the same time, they show the high esteem in which he was held as one who lived out his consecration in the faithful service to the community.
Brother Álvaro Echeverría FSC (superior general):
Br Louis “throughout his long life he was a tireless worker in the apostolate and he showed a deep love for his vocation as a Brother and for the vitality of the Institute. As an enthusiastic teacher, he was one of those teachers students never forgot. The wisdom and experience accumulated during his many years made him a point of reference and an invaluable counsellor for young people and adults as well; he was a person who, above all, knew how to listen.”
Angela Briffa (former assistant head of the Junior School at SMC):
“Br Louis was always very calm – even in a crisis, plus he was very sensitive to other people’s pain. When the boys in a class were boisterous and noisy – difficult to control – he never shouted at them but he used to remain calm and quietly waiting for them to stop and then he used to proceed by talking calmly to them. His philosophy was that if you shout at them they’ll shout more than you."
Alfred Sant Fournier (former assistant head of the Senior School at SMC):
Br Louis was not one to blow his trumpet. Many people know just a little of all the good work he accomplished in many diverse areas: leading retreats, spiritual counselling, and school leadership. He introduced and encouraged us to try to become men and women for others through his fine example. He was a man who served God and touched the lives and hearts of many.
Fr Jesmond Grech: (Fr Grech celebrated Br Louis’s funerary mass on 31st May 2011 at Stella Maris College and in his sermon he said the following)
He was an educator as a headmaster, he was a complete educator as a teacher, he was an educator in the yard, he was an educator with great enthusiasm when he started the sixth form, he was an educator when he used to teach the dockyard apprentices, he was an educator as a director, as a provincial, he was an educator as a Lasallian Brother, he was an educator when he invested in a building that could facilitate education in this block we are in today, he was an educator when he organised the many retreats for his religious friends, and last but not least when not with words but with his example and personality he started and maintained here in Malta the Signum Fidei, he directed it and brought it to what it is now.]
Fabian Mangion (author):
Always ready with a smile, he was of a humble, prudent, peaceful character, adept to get on well with everyone, especially youths, who saw in him an exemplar of integrity and a genuine Christian teacher...
He held an authentic devotion towards the Blessed Sacrament, which expressed the fullness of his spirituality. Very often, even during the night, he visited the Brothers’ chapel and spent time in adoration.
Towards the end of his life, Br Louis was in constant dialogue with God. This is evidenced by the multitude of prayers and reflections he wrote daily, most of them in French, in a small booklet he carried with him. These alone are an authentic testimony of his union with God and his profound desire to live in his presence
Victor Tabone (former SMC chaplain):
First and foremost he was a real brother, one with a capital B. Open, compassionate, and tolerant without compromising the faith or the truth. He was an enthusiastic teacher who made you listen and eager to learn what he was proposing. Most importantly he was a friend of young people, always ready to understand and excuse.
Lawrence Zammit (former P.T.A. chairman of SMC):
“He was a far-sighted person and had a deep understanding of human nature, human problems, and human feelings”.
Albert Camilleri (ex-SMC sixth-former):
His kindness, teachings, devotion, and humility touched me in ways I can only describe as life-changing. He was the quintessential ‘Lasallian’ shepherd who lived his vocation with exemplary devotion and genuine dedication to his students and those around him. I will remember him fondly always. Truly, he was an extraordinary man.”
Amal Cutler (ex-SMC sixth-former):
My memory of Br Louis is of a gentle, smiling man around whom there was always a sense of peacefulness.
My memory is of a tall figure strolling the corridors amidst the swishing of black. And if we’d been up to no good, we’d try to disappear quick smart. Yet. Br Louis would quietly smile our way, give a knowing look, and walk on. Always kind, always a wise word, and always fair.
Angela Hoover (ex-SMC sixth-former):
“It has been such an honour and privilege to know Br Louis and have him as a friend and mentor. Few people have impacted and touched my life the way he did. He possessed the rare gifts of encouragement and of making those around him feel loved, accepted, and appreciated. He loved unconditionally, saw the good in everyone, and inspired you to give your utmost and be your best.
I am grateful for the example that he has left for us to follow.”
Anne Cuschieri (ex-SMC sixth-former):
We’re ready to work hard to defend –
All that you taught us and prepared us for
Is here now knocking at our door.
Heads up high and your strength shining through,
We’ll work for the school and vocations new.
John Baptist De La Salle won’t be forgot
For Signum Fidei Malta is not just a dot.
You won’t be there when we come to the door;
It will be hard not to see you anymore.
But your words of wisdom and all you said
Will lift our heart and also our head.
Br Louis,
We are moving ahead