On Sunday 34-year-old Brian Kelly, from Kildalkey, Co Meath, made his first profession at the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Redemptorists' Marianella Centre, Rathgar, Dublin. His parents and family watched as he made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the Redemptorist Provincial, Fr Michael Kelleher, CSsR. After three years he will renew the vows for two more years, leading to final profession.
He is the youngest of four, two girls and two boys. After studying Science at NUI Galway, he worked in biotechnology in the city before doing post-graduate research in Queen's University, Belfast.
Awarded a PhD in 2002, he did research into the management of pain relief for cancer patients and arthritis sufferers and he developed testing systems for gauging treatment effectiveness.
While based in Belfast, he was involved in a pastoral internship programme at the Fisherwick Presbyterian Church. He joined SERVE, the Redemptorist Youth Programme, and spent seven weeks in Brazil and lived for a year in community, working with SERVE in Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, Dublin.
In September 2006 he joined the Redemptorists and studied for two years at the Milltown Institute before going to Chicago for novitiate. He will continue his studies at Milltown and do pastoral work with the St Vincent de Paul Society and at Mountjoy Prison. He is discerning a call to priesthood.
Fr Kelleher described the profession as a hope-filled act in an Ireland that certainly needs hope. "In these difficult times for our country, we as a people need hope. Today's profession is a statement of confidence in our Church and our world and God's plan for it. The making of promises, the taking of vows, gives hope and is something worth celebrating."
Representatives from Redemptorist communities in Limerick, Cork, Belfast, Dundalk and Co Galway also attended the ceremony. These included Fr Gerry O'Connor, CSsR, Co-ordinator of SERVE, the Redemptorist youth programme of which Brian has been a member for a number of years.
Brian's profession on Sunday follows the final profession of three other young Irish Redemptorists in March of this year. They will be ordained on 6th December in Dundalk.
Commenting on the occasion, Fr Dan Baragry, CSsR, Director of Formation, said, "This is a very joyful occasion for all Irish Redemptorists and those who work with us. We are delighted to welcome Brian into our community and pray that he will find fulfilment and happiness with us as he continues his discernment with us in the years ahead.”
"The fact that Brian and three other young Irish men have professed their commitment as Redemptorists in recent months and that over 30 candidates for the diocesan priesthood are about to begin their studies in Maynooth, despite the difficulties, pain and shame being experienced by the Irish Church at present, is a sign of hope and encouragement for the future."
Speaking after the ceremony, Bro Brian described a vocation to religious life as just one of many vocations in the Church. "We all have a vocation and within the faith community we need to be asking what is my calling. For me, today is a very special and joy-filled day surrounded by my family, friends and fellow Redemptorists as I join the congregation."
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