After leading a nomadic existence in Canada and the United States for several years, including working as a labourer and as a railway teamster, he began studying for the priesthood in Rome.

[2][3][4] He died on 26 June 1956 in Miami, Florida, aged 79 and at his own request was buried in a cave located beneath the hermitage at Cat Island.

He was appointed Diocesan Architect and designed: The Monsignore Hawes Heritage Trail[12] is a tourist route which visits many of these buildings, some of which he also built.

[13] He also designed the Anglican Church of S. Christopher, in Gunnerton a small village in the North Tyne valley, Northumberland.

[14] The building has recently been restored and now boasts a fine stained glass window by William Tillyer in the west end.