 After visiting Europe in 1939, Brother Ignatius continued his work in 1940 as the founding director of the Brothers' new college at Ashgrove in Brisbane on the site of the former St Jude’s Seminary.The clearing of the recreation ground and sports oval and construction of the school's swimming pool was completed under his leadership in the first year.However, the college was only open for two years before the grounds were commandeered by the Australian Army in 1942.