John Baptist Todd

John Baptist Todd, O.F.M. (30 November 1921 – 4 December 2017) was a Franciscan priest working in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi in Pakistan. He was educated at St Patrick’s High School and the University of Bombay.[https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/12/04/rev-todd-of-st-patricks-high-school-passes-away-in-karachi/ Pakistan Today December 4, 2017] He received his religious training under the Order of Friars Minor and was ordained a priest in 1948.[https://www.ucanews.com/news/catholic-teacher-of-former-pakistani-leader-laid-to-rest/81025 UCANews December 8, 2017]

One of his first assignments was as Prefect of Discipline at St Patrick's High School, Karachi in the 1950s. Former President Pervez Musharraf attended St. Patrick's School in 1958–59. When he visited the school after becoming president, he recalled Todd giving him a sound caning for misbehaving.Musharraf, Pervez. In the Line of Fire: A Memoir. Simon and Schuster, 2006. p. 27 Musharraf subsequently presented a cane to Todd on the visit.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/71736/|title=St Patricks opens arms for its old boy|website=www.indianexpress.com|date=5 June 2005 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}

He was first vice principal and later principal of St Bonaventure's High School, Hyderabad from 1958–77.{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/weekly/cowas/20051218.htm|title=Perceptions — bad and good|first=Ardeshir|last=Cowasjee|date=18 December 2005|accessdate=4 December 2017}} He was also instrumental in starting the school band in 1958. In the early 1960s Todd took a break from St. Bonaventure's to act as the principal of St. Mary’s High School, Sukkur and also served as principal of St Francis Grammar School, Quetta. From 2000-06 he was vice principal of St. Patrick's School.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/Storyold/147377|title=Musharraf, Advani wore the same colours once|website=www.indianexpress.com|date=14 March 2000 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}

On 6 May 2011, The Old Patricians (former students of the school) presented the Father J. B. Todd OFM Gold Medal to the top student from the eighth grade at the closing ceremony of the 150th anniversary of the school.[http://www.theoldpatricians.org/goldmedels.htm The Old Patricians website accessed 8 April 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728154617/http://www.theoldpatricians.org/goldmedels.htm|date=28 July 2013}}

On 18 March 2012, at the age of 91, he attended the Old Patricians' St Patrick's Day Reunion dinner.{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/351872/recalling-fun-times-st-patricks-alumni-attend-150th-reunion|title=Recalling fun times: St Patrick's alumni attend 150th reunion - The Express Tribune|date=19 March 2012|accessdate=4 December 2017}}

Among his former students is Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad. Along with many other former students they gathered at the Karachi Gymkhana to celebrate Todd’s 94th birthday.{{cite web|url=http://epaper.dawn.com/DetailNews.php?StoryText=02_12_2015_118_004|title=Father Todd's 94th birthday celebrated - ePaper - DAWN.COM|website=epaper.dawn.com|date=2 December 2015 |accessdate=4 December 2017}}