Brother Luke delaMotte, MM

Born: November 23, 1874
Oath: September 2, 1930
Died: February 1, 1945

William Warner de la Motte was born in Newington, Connecticut on November 23, 1874. His father was an Episcopalian Minister and he provided a healthy religious atmosphere for the raising of his children.

While still a young man, William became an active lay-preacher for the Episcopalian Church in California. He was graduated from the University of California, obtaining a Master’s Degree. A keen intellectual curiosity played a large part in the scientific ability that he acquired, and eventually led him to investigate the credentials of the Catholic Church. After a long period of study he was received into the Church by a Paulist Father on July 20, 1915.

Soon after his conversion William manifested a desire to become a religious. While employed as a medical laboratory specialist he heard about Maryknoll through a series of sermons given by Fathers Kress and Cassidy. Though he was anxious to serve as a medical missioner in foreign lands, he had to delay his entrance into Maryknoll as a Brother until October, 1923 in order to support his mother.

He made his postulancy at the San Francisco house and later was assigned to Maryknoll, N.Y. Along with Brother Daniel, Brother Luke soon became a member of the faculty at the Venard where he taught science and language. During these years he maintained a lively interest in agriculture.

In January, 1945, Brother Luke became critically ill. He was anointed on January 23 before being taken to the Ossining Hospital. He passed away on February 1, 1945.

A Solemn Requiem Lass was celebrated for the repose of his soul in the seminary chapel on February 5 and his body laid to rest in the Maryknoll cemetery.