Francis Nemeck

I wanted to share a poem I wrote soon after Father Kelly’s death when I visited Lebh Shomea for the first time without him. His was—and is—a wise and loving presence.
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Still Here

Dead trees line the long road in. I don't remember so many dead trees.

Beyond the cross, the greening begins. Palm trees still encircle the oasis.

The bell, the red bell, is still here, waiting. Soon it will ring, calling us home.

The Cowboy Cemetery
with its new white mound,
Another kind of bell,
silently ringing.

A doe with her fawns greets me wordlessly.
She is not afraid. I am also at peace.

Wild turkeys, squawking, peer in at me.
I sit here on the porch, still and smiling.

Fr. Kelly's influence continues to guide me. I'm forever grateful.

Fr. Francis was a fellow OMI, a dear friend, and a model priest.

I was a young schoolboy in Midland, Texas when Fr. Nemeck first appeared at St. Ann's parish during the turbulent 60s for which he was a key and enthusiastic change agent in the process which led to the state of the roman catholic church in the world today.

If a tree is known by its fruts, some positive measures of the influence of his teachings would be the large sizes, long marriages and abundant vocations from the families in the flocks he shepherded. I will pray for the repose of his soul.

His words of wisdom, respectful listening, and wonderful books have been a blessing to me over a lifetime.

It is hard to believe 8 years have gone by since Kelly went on to be with God. His influence continues.

Fr. Nemeck was an oasis in the desert of my dark nights
His books will continue to be a great treasure for spiritual direction. Peace
- Signe

Father Kelly suggested that I let myself be prayed by God. Great soul made so much difference in the world Dr. Harper Newman

Fr. Kelly was surely an example of Faith and Perseverance.
Fr. Kelly ~~ May you rest in Joy-Filled
Peace...........Ora Pro Me.

Pat Foley csj

I wish to extend my condolences to the members of the Core Team at Lebh Shomea and family members of Fr. Kelly Nemeck. I am deeply appreciative of his listening heart and faith in me. His quiet guidance to all who were learning to pray in the dark will be a light for many in the years to come. May he rest in peace. Amen.

I was so very saddened to hear this news. Fr. Kelly's loving ministry touched countless souls. He was a wonderful example of following one's calling. My heart is with, and goes out to, the rest of the Lebh Shomea family, most especially Sr. Marie.

What a light you are, Father Kelly.

Fr. Kelly, rest in peace - I am grateful for your love & kindnesses extended to me, my daughter & son - you will remain in my heart as a heaven-sent gift & your love will live on at Lebh Shomea. My condolences to family & Sr. Marie.

I am sorry that I missed Fr. Kelly's passing, but he was a childhood friend of mine Alamo Heights. May his soul rest in peace.

My life was deeply touched by Fr. Kelly. He truly had a "listening heart". I know you rest in peace my friend.

My life was deeply touched by Fr. Kelly's wisdom and love. I am very grateful to God for allowing me "to walk with a saint".

Father Nemec came to Newfoundland and Labrador and visited our Novitiate. He was an influence on us. I remember my one visit to Lebh Shomea in 1979 with Marie. My deepest condolences to her and to the Oblate community.

Fr. Kelly was such a wonderful person in our lives. We remember him as a man of great faith and one who had a peaceful and prayerful nature about him with a quiet sense of humor. We visited LebhShoema on a number of occasions and Fr. Kelly always made us feel so welcome. We loved having a chat with him and being in his presence. We loved him dearly .....as one of our own. He will be missed. God rest his gentle soul.
Eileen and John Delahunty
( sister of Sr. Marie Coombs)
St. John's , Newfoundland
Canada

After just sharing about another Sister's recent experience at Lebh Shomea, I recalled my own time there some years ago. I have also been re-reading Fr. Kelly's wonderful book RECEPTIVITY and praying I, too, might pray in the spirit of Teilhard and St. John of the Cross. Surely, Fr. Kelly is not only now in peace but enjoying eternal love to the fullest.

I have known Kelly when he was just a young man. We had many fun days at the Beach and always hurt from the sunburn.
I kept up with Kelly for years and always will remember him to be a very quite and loving person.
After I got married he did visit us in Columbus Ohio. As always, he was a very holy man.
I'm sure he was ready to see Jesus and enjoy total Happiness and no more pain & suffering.
Thank you Kelly for your wonderful work on earth.
I had always loved you.

Father Kelly has the kindest eyes I have ever seen. His wise words led me out of the dark alley. I am blessed to have met him.
Thank you, Father Kelly. I love you.

I am sad at your dying, but am consoled in knowing you are at peace and happy in the arms of absolute Love..... thank you, Kelly, for 24 years of help and guidance. Your wise and common-sense approach to prayer and life have been light in the dark for me. I hope that from your new home you will nudge me into remembering the truths you taught me with such patience all these years.

Fr.Kelly was truly a gift to us all.
He said so much in his quiet countenance.
I am grateful that I met him on my spiritual journey. Thanks Fr. Kelly!

Such a Godly man, who blessed so many with his wisdom. To look in his eyes was to see and feel LOVE.

His grace and peace is not surpassed

And now my last earthly Father has left this earth. Fr. Kelly gently but profoundly touched the very depths of my soul. I grieve but take solace that he will always live in my heart and in my sweet memories. Heartfelt condolences to his family, his Oblate Brothers, Marie, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in Peace, dear one.

I am grateful for having known this man of deep faith. His was a quiet presence which continues to inspire me. Thank you, Kelly.

Fr. Kelly enlightened my spirit, heart and mind; like sitting with Jesus with skin on.....His gentle wisdom I shall cherish always.

One of my spiritual heroes I was honored to know. Rest in peace Fr. Kelly.

I am a first cousin to kelly and ann.He had a great sense of humor. My daughter Kelly is his namesake. He was with us when we went to Denver to get her and adopt her. We love you Kelly Phil [nemeck eden]

Picture of Kelly and he beloved cat Twinkles

A peaceful example of a life well lived.

Fr. Kelly greatly influenced me and always will. He shines in my memory.

Kelly had a great life and touched so many others.
At peace now.

Fr. Kelly was a deep influence in my life.

My uncle touched many lives including mine. His legacy will live on in others. I am proud to call him Unc, a nickname he acquired when Kat & I were very young! I miss you Unc, thank you for everything!

I feel honored to be related to Fr. Francis Kelly Nemeck. His gentle and kind nature will always be remembered. A very gifted and great life. May God bless and comfort the family.