Francis Clement Kelley (1870–1948,) a Canadian-born Catholic priest and social reformer, dedicated his life to the Catholic Church’s mission in underserved American communities. Serving as a priest for 54 years and a bishop for 23, Kelley’s commitment left an enduring impact.
Born in Vernon River, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Kelley received his education at St. Dunstan’s College. Ordained as a priest in 1893 for the Detroit, Michigan diocese, he later served as a military chaplain during the Spanish-American War, reaching the rank of colonel. Post-war, Kelley became the vice commander general of the Military Order of Foreign Wars for five years.
In 1905, as a pastor in Lapeer, Michigan, Kelley founded the Catholic Church Extension Society of the United States, focused on advancing the Catholic Church’s mission in rural and mission areas. He also initiated the quarterly Extension Magazine, boasting over 3 million subscribers.
Kelley played a diplomatic role at the World War I Peace Conference, representing Mexican bishops, and facilitated unofficial negotiations between the Vatican and the Italian government. As Bishop of Oklahoma from 1924, he directed funds from Catholic Extension to support church construction in the state.
Kelley’s notable works include Blood Drenched Altars (1933,) a historical overview of Catholicism in Mexico, and Problem Island (1937,) a science fiction novel. Pack Rat: A Metaphoric Phantasy (1942) explores the parody of humans by rats lacking souls.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Francis Kelley
Convictions are the mainsprings of action, the driving powers of life. What a man lives are his convictions.
—Francis Kelley
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