Father Maurus Kelly OFM

1928 - 2010

Father Maurus Kelly, OFM
Died December 5, 2010
Father Maurus Kelly, born in Tampa Florida, passed on to eternal life after a lifetime of mission and parish work, most notably his 9 year tenure serving the Tohono O'odham in southern Arizona.
Friar Maurus Kelly was the son of Lawrence F. Kelly and Mary E. Donnelly, born on October 4, 1928. His early education was in Tampa, FL until he entered St. Anthony's Seminary for 2 years and then joined the Franciscan order in 1948 and professed solemn (lifetime) vows in 1952. He was ordained by Bishop Alden J. Bell in Long Beach on June 29, 1956.
While he had a number of assignments, Friar Maurus was best known for his ministry to the Native Americans in Arizona's San Solano Missions. From 1964 to 1977 he served in the northwest: Portland, Spokane, Seattle and Winlock, and then returned to Arizona for two years.
In 1980 he was assigned as pastor at Mission San Miguel, a position he held for almost 5 years. Following this, he became the chaplain for Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, serving faithfully until his retirement at the Mission in 1997.
Friar Maurus was a friar dedicated to his various ministries and was always willing to accept a new assignment. Humility and simplicity, generosity and helpfulness, were hallmarks. As chaplain to the Poor Clares and as a hospital chaplain, he was always reliable and understanding.
The vigil service for Father Maurus will be at 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 12, 2010 at Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA. The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 13, 2010 at Old Mission Santa Barbara.
May eternal rest be granted unto him, O Lord, and may he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Fr. Maurus, for the care of senior friars, to the Fraternal Care Trust-Province of St. Barbara, 1500 34th Ave, Oakland CA 94601, 415-552-2044.