Jordo's story lives on at Sacred Heart
Obituaries
Br Jordan Redden FSM- Born May 1926, Died July 13 2025
Christopher Michael Redden was born in Peterborough, South Australia, the fourth of six children born to Elizabeth Frances (Smith) and Thomas Peter Redden.
Raised on a mixed farm near Jamestown, Christopher attended school in Whyte Yarcowie, where he either drove an old truck or rode a horse to primary school. For secondary education, his two older brothers, Leo and Jack, paid for him to board at Sacred Heart College as their father could no longer afford the boarding fees.
He brought with him to the city a love of tennis, a strong work ethic and an enduring spirit of service that would shape his remarkable life.
Christopher knew the Marist Brothers through his uncle Brother Placidus Redden, the first provincial of the Melbourne Province, and he developed a deeper appreciation through his schooling at Sacred Heart where the principal, Br Albertus, provided a reduction in the school fees paid by his brothers. Without this generosity his life could have been significantly different.
After finishing school, and despite the opportunity of a secure job with the PMG, he chose to follow his heart and vocation, joining the Marist Brothers at the age of 15. He became Brother Jordan Redden, or Jordo, as he was widely known.
From the novitiate he went to Camberwell in 1946 for a short scholasticate and then embarked upon his ministry of teaching, initially in primary schools and then in secondary education. He served in all states of the far-flung Melbourne province, from Bunbury to Bendigo, from Forbes to East Brunswick.
Br Jordan held all the roles you could – principal, community leader, master of discipline, sports master, even choir master (appropriate given his strong baritone). He was a good organiser and manager, and he took on other roles that weren’t so routine such as bus driver, tour guide, accredited driving instructor, holiday house manager (Port Elliot), tutor at a residential university college (Aquinas) and founder of a cricket carnival. The latter is the Marist Cricket Carnival which he and Tony Lantry, of St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill established in 1974. It has continued ever since.
Br Jordan was outgoing, bright, sociable. There were few people who he didn’t impress with his warm welcome, hearty greeting and ready smile. He enjoyed conversation and was a fine raconteur. His story telling skills were honed over many years of interacting with his large family, multitude of colleagues and good friends. As a consummate storyteller he learned to cover his occasional repetitions with the line ‘I may have told you this before but it’s worth telling again’.
He might then recount the occasion when, as bus driver, his faithful vehicle broke down at a busy city intersection and he had to call on the young passengers to push it through the traffic lights to a garage. Other yarns could cover his knowledge of a good Coonawarra ‘red’, his love of the Adelaie Crows, his robust and enduring connections with Sacred Heart college, his incredible family connections, his modest but very successful betting syndicate, or his cagey playing of 500. He had a lot to relay and he always did so in an engaging and humorous way.
Friendly, personable and diplomatic, Br Jordan could win people over, even those who were a little curmudgeonly. He brought a great deal to community life and to the schools in which he worked. At the same time, he was never one to neglect his spirituality, and prayer and Mass remained bulwarks for him.
Br Jordan was greatly admired and respected by his former students, including Bert Newton who kept in touch with him and with Br Austin Stephens. Bert even worked Br Jordan into the script of one of his last shows, Wicked, which was performed in Adelaide. Comedian Shaun Micallef also gave him special mention during one of his shows. He had a long list of famous AFL alumni among his ‘old boys’.
His positive approach to life, loyalty to his family, friends, the Brothers and his religious life – especially to Sacred Heart College middle school at Mitchell Park – were remarkable. His ability to strike up a conversation with anyone made him a beloved and endearing character.
Br Jordan found it difficult to leave the Brothers’ residence at Sacred Heart and go into care at Flora McDonald in January 2023. But he was a realist and accepted the inevitability of his move.
His fellow Brothers were very good to him and would bring him ‘home’ each week. After the 80th anniversary of his profession on July 2, his health continued to deteriorate and he slipped away quietly on July 13.
Br Jordan returned to his beloved Sacred Heart for the last time on July 19 when he was farewelled by a grateful congregation of Brothers, family, colleagues, friends and ex-students.
Sacred Heart College principal Daniel Lynch said Br Jordan’s passing marked the end of an era for the Somerton Park school.
‘Whether teaching in the classroom, cheering from the sidelines, or driving the Jordan Taxi bus for students, Br Jordan left a profound impression on generations of students. He was a man of deep faith, sharp wit, humble generosity, and unwavering commitment to the Marist charism.
‘In later life, Br Jordan continued to serve in pastoral roles at Aquinas College, remained an active supporter of missions in East Timor, and faithfully attended Sacred Heart events, always with a story, a smile, and a word of encouragement.
‘His memory and influence are woven into the story of the College and into the hearts of all who knew him. We give thanks for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy of faith, service, and love.’
- Adapted from the eulogies by Br Peter Carroll and Br John Furlong
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