Look to John McGrath as a shining example

I never met the former Chancellor of Temporal Affairs of the Archdiocese of Toronto, John McGrath, and I never will, as the Lord called him home on Oct. 28.

But I learned much about this remarkable disciple of the Toronto Catholic community, whose years of service stretch back long before his 11 years overseeing the archdiocese’s financial and administrative needs, through his family, friends, employees and former boss, Cardinal Emeritus Thomas Collins. Their anecdotes and glowing character testimonials were invaluable to me as I penned the Catholic Register’s tribute to his legacy.

The late Pope Benedict XVI wisely commemorated McGrath’s indelible contributions to Catholic life by naming him Knight Commander with the Star of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great in 2013. Many who undoubtedly championed Mr. McGrath receiving a papal knighthood did so without informing the eventual honouree. He never sought recognition for any of the important deeds he did on behalf of the archdiocese.

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His financial stewardship proved instrumental to the archdiocese’s successful hosting of World Youth Day in 2002, and he oversaw the opening of 12 new parishes over 11 years. 

What stands out about McGrath, and the way he carried out his work both for the archdiocese and beforehand as an investment banker on Bay Street, is his humility, integrity and grounded temperament in every situation.

Does he not sound like a gentleman who embodied the virtues of St. Joseph?

A standout passage from Mr. McGrath’s beautifully written obituary is the postscript. His children noted that “for the record, our dad would have wanted this obituary to be a quarter of its length.”

McGrath never drew attention to his work and his stature. He let his work quietly speak for him. St. Joseph was the same during his time. The earthly, adoptive father of Christ and beloved spouse of St. Mary never uttered a single word in any of the Gospels. His modest service, total uncomplaining surrender to God’s plan, and an instinct to listen before speaking expressed everything that needed to be expressed about Canada’s patron saint. 

In a world that pressures us to speak or post hyperbolically and broadcast everything we say and do, we should strive to be a St. Joseph or a John McGrath. 

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There is a famous quote equally credited to the English author Mark Twain and the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It goes, “better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” It is clear McGrath heeded this principle throughout his life. St. Joseph likely read Proverbs 17:28, written by his ancestor Solomon, which imparts similar wisdom: “Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.”

McGrath and St. Joseph also echoed each other in the dignity with which they approached their work. 

Gord Nixon, the president, CEO and director from 2001 to 2014, told the Register that he observed of McGrath during their decade together at RBC Dominion Securities  “(He) would always do the right thing for his clients.” He was a man uninterested in expedient, unsound shortcuts. He made judicious decisions that would set his clients up for long-term stability and prosperity. 

St. Joseph was also uninterested in taking the easy way during his many years working as a carpenter. St. Thomas of Aquinas observed that “Joseph, of royal blood, united by marriage to the greatest and holiest of women, reputed the father of the Son of God, passed his life in labor, and won by the toil of the artisan the needful support of his family.”

Aquinas’ quote alludes to the third major similarity between St. Joseph and McGrath: their abiding love for family. Both men dedicated their actions to their earthly loved ones and their Heavenly Father. The people who came to know McGrath very well quickly took note of how he was a loving husband to his first wife, Anne (who died in 1988), and second wife, Aileen, and father to eight children. 

Jim Milway, McGrath’s successor as chancellor of temporal affairs, offered a glowing testimony of his late friend’s fatherhood.

“Every one of his children that I ever met is wonderful,” Milway said. “They are salt of the earth, straightforward, pleasant, generous with their time and treasure. What a great legacy for John McGrath when you look at his family and how much they loved him.”

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St. Joseph did not need to say a single thing to convince readers of the Bible that he loved Jesus and Mary. His sacrifices, resilience amid tribulations and pure devotion resound like a glorious trumpet.

Thank you, John McGrath and St. Joseph, for the quiet lessons you each imparted through the way you approached life. May we wisely heed this example. 

(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)

A version of this article appeared in the November 15, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Look to John McGrath as a shining example".