As a scholastic in Belvedere College, he taught his classes, took an MA at University College Dublin, and was deeply involved with the Belvedere Newsboys' Club and in work for young people in remand homes. He was a very capable organiser and administrator, both within the Society of Jesus and as a member of the Hong Kong government.

His planning was marked by imagination and vision, and he was deeply devoted to the Chinese people and had many Chinese friends, one of whom arranged for a special tablet and music fellowship in his honour in St George's Royal Chapel in Windsor Castle. As a Jesuit he may also be considered a pioneer in his Order's extensive commitment to the welfare of refugees.