Kildalkey man's 'hope-filled act' as he joins Redemptorists

Kildalkey native Brian Kelly celebrated his first profession to the Redemptorist Order when he professed his vows at Mass in the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Redemptorist's Marianella Centre in Rathgar, Dublin, on Sunday. Brother Kelly (34) is a son of Breda and Hugh Kelly from Kildalkey and is the youngest of four children. His parents and family watched on as he made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the Redemptorist Provincial, Fr Michael Kelleher, CSsR. Welcoming Bro Kelly into the Redemptorist community, Fr Kelleher described the profession as a "hope-filled act" in an Ireland which "certainly needs hope". He said that "in these difficult times for our country, we, as a people, need hope" and he underlined that Bro Kelly's profession was "a statement of confidence in our Church and our world and God's plan for it". Bro Kelly has taken his vows for three years after which they will be renewed for two more years, before leading to his final profession. Representatives from Redemptorist communities in Limerick, Cork, Belfast, Dundalk and Galway also attended the ceremony. These included Fr Gerry O'Connor, CSsR, Co-ordinator of SERVE, the Redemptorist youth programme of which Bro Kelly has been a member for a number of years. Commenting on the occasion, Fr Dan Baragry, CSsR, Director of Formation, said: "This is a very joyful occasion for all Irish Redemptorist 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." He added: "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 Kelly 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." Bro Kelly attended school at St Michael's CBS in Trim (now Boyne Community School), and went on to study Biochemisry in NUI Galway. He worked in the biotechnology sector before undertaking post-graduate research in Queen's University, Belfast, and he was awarded a PhD in 2002. Bro Kelly worked in research and development in a post-doctoral capacity at the university and in industry, specialising in the area of cancer research, looking at the management of pain relief for cancer patients and arthritis sufferers, as well as developing testing systems for gauging treatment effectiveness. While based in Belfast, he got involved in various faith initiatives, one of which was a pastoral internship programme at the Fisherwick Presbyterian Church. He also joined SERVE, the Redemptorist Youth Programme, and spent seven weeks in Brazil and, later, a year living in community and 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. Following his profession, Bro Kelly will continue his studies at the Milltown Institute and pastoral involvement, such as with the St Vincent de Paul and at Mountjoy Prison as he discerns a call to the priesthood.