Obituary Notice
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Felim Kelly 1905 - 1973 OBITUARY NOTICE OF FR. FELIM KELLY, C.P. Fr. Felim Kelly, C.P. departed this life, in the Harvey Nursing Home, Terenure, Dublin, on Tuesday 19th June 1973. He was aged 68. To many in the Province, Father Felim was just a name, and they might be tempted to dismiss his 48 years as a Passionist with the epitaph on the tomb of the Unknown soldier, "Known only to God". While he was very much known to God during his life, - as we hope and pray he is, today, in heaven, nevertheless, Father Felim was widely known and respected by thousands of people in Ireland and more particularly in Scotland, in which latter country, he spent the most of his priestly life. A Dubliner, born of Dublin-born parents, (a rare breed nowadays), he entered the novitiate at St. Gabriel's Retreat, the Graan in 1926 and was professed there on August 13th. 1927. A classmate of Very Rev. Fr. Enda, C.P. (Consultor), and Frs. Ultan, Hilary and the late Fr. Vivian, Felim was raised to the priesthood on June 29th. 1933 at Sutton, England. This was the last class of St. Patrick's Province to be ordained in England. It was intended by the then Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Sebastian Slean, C.P. to send Felim to Rome for further studies, but this move did not materialise. Instead he was transferred to St. Mungo's Glasgow. He did not know it then, but he was to spend 36 years altogether, out of 40, in Scotland. During this major part of his life, Felim conducted but few missions and undertook some supply-work. His main concern was his district in the parish. He was untiring in visitation and he knew every soul personally in his charge. Converts too, occupied is time, - literally hundreds of them received instruction in the Faith through the zeal and patience and example of Fr. Felim. He loved this work so much that he was often heard to say that if ever a Scottish Province was formed, he would have no option but to join it. His years in Glasgow included the Second World War, with its food rationing, blackout, and the horrors of the air-raids on that city. Transferred to Belfast in 1942, Fr. Felim lived in Holy Cross Retreat while he taught English and History at the Juniorate, Wheatfield House. Those who were students of his, attest to the energy and drive he infused into his classes. While the war still raged, Felim was changed back again to St. Mungo's in 1944, - this time as Vicar. This office he held under the successive Rectorship of Fathers Frederick, Cormac and Albert, - all now gone to their Eternal Reward. Sometime in 1951, we find Felim moved again to St. Michael's, Dankeith. This monastery was subsequently closed in 1967. Felim was Vicar there and Fr. Reginald was Rector. It was about this time that his health, never very robust, began to deteriorate. He was forced to retire from office, by reason of a heart condition, although he continued in St. Michael's in a teaching capacity. In the early 1960's, Father Felim was transferred to St. Mary's, Drum-mohr. Despite failing health, which kept him in hospital in Edinburgh for long periods, he managed to do the odd supply. One of these, which lasted longer than usual, was to the Isle of Barra. This, he relished, for being an Irish speaker, he was able to converse with the inhabitants of this Gaelic Catholic Island. Father Felim bade farewell to Scotland in June 1971, when, at last, he was changed to the Graan, Enniskillen. Forty four years had passed since he had left the Graan as a young professed student. Now the wheel of life for him had almost completed its full circle. On his arrival at the Graan, he had only two more years to live, - almost to the day. He had hardly time to settle in to the quiet country life when he suffered a stroke. A spell in the Eme Hospital followed by convalescence in the monastery made scarcely any improvement in his condition. In September 1971, he was driven by car to St. Michael's Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, where he spent a short time. As his only relations were his sisters Eileen and Aggie and his brother Charlie, Father Felim was permitted by the Provincial, Fr. Valentine, to stay at home in Harold's Cross, Dublin. Though his sisters waited on him hand and foot, he grew weaker. Caring for him proved too much of a strain for his sisters, so poor Felim was removed to the Harvey Nursing Home, Terenure. There he remained for three months until death claimed him for Heaven on June 19th. 1973. Thus died a true son of St. Paul of the Cross. To those who had only a nodding acquaintance with him, Father Felim may have appeared puritanical in ways. Strict and honourable he was, but puritanical, - never. He was a gifted musician and he possessed a good singing voice. Many a feast night, he entertained the various communities with the piano and his Irish and Scottish ballads. On the serious side, he had a deep devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. During his last illness, he had permission to offer Mass in surplice and stole, sitting at the table. To be present and assist at his Mass of Our Lady was an inspiring experience. He lived up to his special devotion, taken at his clothing, - the Sacred Heart. Fr. Felim's funeral Mass was concelebrated at Mount Argus by 30 priests. Very Rev. Fr. Valentine, C.P. Provincial being principal celebrant. His mortal remains were buried in the same grave as his brother Father Honorius, C.P., who had died on August 15th. 1971. May the souls of these two brothers who served Christ so faithfully in the Passionist Congregation rest in peace. Amen.
Source: Obituary Notices, Provincial Archive, St Joseph's Province. Passionist Congregation.