Born April 19, 1896, he was a youngster in Cleveland, Ohio and was the son of James Patrick and Mary Jane Kelly. In 1911 he decided to enter the Passionist Preparatory Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. He then went on to the novitiate and professed his vows on September 15, 1913. On August 14, 1921 he was ordained by Bishop McGavick of Chicago at Holy Name Cathedral. During the first five years as a priest he was a professor and director of students. In 1926 he was vicar of St. Paul, Kansas. In 1929 he was appointed director of students at the same location. In 1932 he was assigned as pastor of the monastery parish, St. Paul, Kansas. He held that position for twelve years. He worked with care to handle the parochial debt. In 1944 he was elected rector of Louisville, Kentucky. In 1947 he was elected first consultor and had a regular Sunday call in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. In 1950 he was elected as a second consultor. He attended the General Chapter of 1950 in Rome. In 1953 he was elected the first canonical superior of the Passionist Community, Birmingham, Alabama. There he came down with chronic uremia from which he eventually died.
Birth Date:
April 19, 1896
Profession Date:
September 15, 1913
Ordination Date:
August 14, 1921
Death Date:
March 25, 1956