Fr. John Kelly honored by Seelos Shrine

In the 66 years that Father John Kelly has been a Redemptorist, he has had numerous parish assignments in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and has conducted countless parish missions. Wherever the ministry brought him, Father Kelly consistently introduced the inviting spirituality and canonization cause of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos.

On October 3, 2010, at a gala banquet held in the Audubon Tea Room of New Orleans with more than 200 guests in attendance, Father Kelly was inducted into “The Order of Seelos Witness” — the highest honor accorded by the National Seelos Shrine. This recognition is given to those who exemplify the principles and values brought forth by Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos; only a handful of recipients have been so named, including the great-great grandniece of Blessed Seelos from Fussen, Germany. 

In his tender acceptance speech, Father Kelly acknowledged the effects of Seelos’ powerful intercession throughout his own life, notably the remarkable healing that occurred after a stroke paralyzed the left side of his body earlier this year.