Christian Brother Michael dies

Christian Brother Michael Joseph Livaudais, a graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School who served for 47 years in religious life, died Sept. 7 at the age of 74.

Brother Michael graduated in Rummel’s first graduating class of 1966 and was a founding member of the Genesian Players. He entered the novitiate in Lafayette and took his final vows in 1976.

He received a triple major in theater, English and theology from the College of Santa Fe in 1971 and a master’s in theater arts in 1978 from Northwestern University in Chicago.

He taught at St. Paul's School in Covington, 1971-78; De La Salle High School, 1978-95; Christian Brothers High School, 1995-2010; De La Salle, 2010-12; and Archbishop Rummel in 2012.

He became district director of vocations 2010-13, and, in August 2013, he became director of Christian Brothers School (City Park campus) until 2020. During the COVID outbreak, he was sent to Holy Family Community, where he retired.

Brother Michael formed La Troupe De La Salle at De La Salle and Brothers On Stage at Christian Brothers High in Memphis. During his teaching career he directed over 160 plays – from musicals and comedies to Shakespeare. He with other teachers would travel to NYC over the Christmas holidays for the theater students to experience a Broadway play.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M. Livaudais and Wynn Claire Boyd Livaudais; and his brother Mark Joseph E. Livaudais. He is survived by brothers Ronald Livaudais (Kathy) and Kenneth Livaudais (Rachelle); nieces Amanda, Melissa, Valerie and Jeanne; grand-nephews Brett, Joey, Tyler, Roy and Brodie. Contributions may be made in his honor  to The Genesians at Archbishop Rummel or La Troupe De La Salle at De La Salle or to Brothers on Stage at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated  by Msgr. Frank J. Giroir on Sept. 30. He was buried at Metairie Cemetery.