Brother Karl Swift, SJ, celebrates 60 years as a Jesuit, having entered the Society of Jesus in 1963. He currently serves as a pastoral minister at the Jesuit Community in his hometown of Belize City, Belize.

Brother Swift began his Jesuit ministry as a physical education teacher for St. Peter Claver College in 1965. Shortly after, he served as prefect and managed the dining room of one of the dormitories at Lynam Agricultural College in Belize. From 1971 to 1987, Br. Swift was a minister in the leadership program at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Belize City.

For 34 years, from 1975 to 2005, he taught religion at Excelsior High School in Belize City, educating students who had trouble learning in traditional classroom settings.

Br. Karl founded the “Five-a-Side” football league in Belize City, forever endearing himself to the nation’s youth. For many years, he organized bus trips to the hospitals in Merida, Mexico.

Brother Swift’s of service to the Church and the people of Belize City have earned him the respect and admiration of many. The church hall at St. Martin de Porres is named in his honor, as one of the founding Jesuits. ​In 2016, he was named a “National Hero” in recognition of his lifetime of generous service.