Fr. Bob Kelly RIP

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Obituary

Fr Robert Kelly was born in the town of Tullamore in the middle of Ireland on 13th July 1925 into a very devout Catholic family. He had three brothers and three sisters. Three of the four boys were to become Jesuit Fathers. Two of them, Bob and Michael, were sent to serve the Lord in the Zambian Church.

Bob first arrived in Zambia in 1951 and taught English at Canisius Secondary School while at the same learning Chitonga. He was ordained to the priesthood in Dublin in 1957 and returned soon afterwards, having completed his studies, to Canisius. For a full decade, from ‘59 to ’69, he influenced the lives of many young men in Chikuni as their teacher and Spiritual Father. The Christian Brothers and pupils at St Edmunds were next to benefit from Bob’s presence. He remained there as teacher and spiritual guide until 1978.

When he was still a young lad Bob made a promise to God that he would never drink alcohol. This was a life-long sacrifice and part of a devotion to the Sacred Heart - the symbol of the heart of the human Jesus burning with love for us all. In 1978 he was appointed by the Provincial to promote this devotion in his capacity as National Director of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. He carried on this work, with a few brief interruptions, until 1995.

One of these interruptions happened when he was appointed Parish Priest of St Ignatius in 1985. This was a job that didn’t suit poor Bob and nearly drove him to an early grave. He had to return to Ireland to rest and recover.

In 1988 he was sent to join the Jesuit community in Kitwe, the year that his first book, ‘Give God a Chance’ was published in Kenya under the title ‘Planted in Love’. All through his years as Pioneer Director he had been developing a very effective apostolate giving retreats to Religious and secondary school children. From Kitwe he continued this work and help greatly in the development of the new parish of Our Lady of Africa, in Riverside.

Bob returned as assistant parish priest at St Ignatius in 1995. Without the responsibility and shielded from the conflicts of administration, he flourished as a powerful preacher of God’s unconditional love, confessor and spiritual companion for many, many people. Towards the end of 2004, because of failing health, he moved to the John Chula House, under the kind care of Fr Klaus, and prayed for us all until his death on 8th March 2005. May he rest in peace.

J. Keaney SJ

Homily for Bob Kelly’s Funeral Mass

Fr Joe Keaney S.J.

St Ignatius Church, Lusaka, 11^th March 2005

Yesterday in the afternoon I was talking to people over at reception and could hear the girl answering the phone "It’s Fr Kelly, no, not Fr Keaney.". And I said, thank God.

Many years ago a young Jesuit in Ireland told me about a grumpy and somewhat depressed retired Father living in the next room to him. Every morning he heard the old man’s alarm clock ring. A moment later he’d hear a loud sigh, "Oh my God, another bloody day".

Most of you gathered here this morning knew Fr Robert Kelly personally. Many of you would say, "I knew him well". I’m sure it comes as a big surprise when I tell you Bob suffered frequently from depression. I’ve often heard people say, ". . . . but priests shouldn’t get depressed!". That’s like saying a doctor shouldn’t get cancer. Let me assure you some of them do, and share the same problems, diseases and darknesses as anyone else. It is important I tell you a little about Bob’s darkness if you are to understand the greatness of the man. The Jesuits who lived with him already know this very well.

I came to Zambia in 1973. Bob had been here 22 years by that time. In my early years here I didn’t really know him but obviously was very aware of his reputation as an excellent teacher and influential Spiritual Father to successive generations of Zambian boys and girls in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s in Canisius and with the Christian Brothers in St Edmunds for most of the ‘70’s.

Towards the end of 1988, when living in the small Jesuit community in Kitwe we got the word that Bob was being sent to us. He was to help out in the various works of the house and continue his work as National Director of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. Being a great friend of Mr Mosi and Johnny Walker myself in those days I wasn’t overjoyed at the prospect of such a renowned teetotaller in the community.

Very, very soon after his arrival, maybe even that same day, Bob and myself had a long chat, for well over an hour, standing outside in the cool of the evening. A couple of years before, he had served briefly as Parish Priest of St Ignatius in Lusaka. It was an assignment that clearly didn’t suit Bob with all the problems that go with administration and having to mediate in the strains and tensions of parish life. Bob suffered quite a severe breakdown as a result and spent some time recovering from depression in Ireland. It was during that period of darkness that his first book was born.

He told me about his darkness that first evening in Kitwe. I had left Namwala in 1981. After some surgery I was physically well but suffered chronic depression for about 18 months afterwards. I knew straight away the darkness Bob was describing. That common experience was the bond, the glue, the Tuff Stuff that formed the strong friendship between the two of us. Many observers would later look on ours as a father/son relationship but that wasn’t really true. In Ireland there is a term for a relationship called Anam Cara, - soul friend. That much more accurately describes what we meant to each other.

That same evening Bob told me something very profound about my recurring times of darkness. It’s too long ago now to remember the exact words but it was something like this:

Don’t be afraid of the darkness. Resist it, yes, and fight it in so far as you can. But don’t run too fast or too hard from it at any cost. Many Jesuits, he told me, live in a kind of natural light. They are very disciplined and ordered in their lives. They say their prayers, do their work and enjoy their leisure. They are healthy, well-integrated men. Some of us though have to struggle in darkness. But it is the darkness itself that becomes the door for the power of the light and love of God to enter. It was many years later before I began to understand what he was talking about.

Soon though, I began to see Bob’s greatness. He had no tolerance whatsoever for legalism, for pettiness, for narrow-minded people. On returning from his trips promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Pioneers he would often speak with real pain for maybe Mrs Mulenga in Mansa, a lifelong pioneer whose marriage failed, who remarried outside the Church, and the subsequent call from some fellow pioneers that she be stripped of her badge and expelled from the Association. Or maybe Mr Phiri in Lusaka being barred from holding high office at national level in the Association because he worked as an accountant in National Breweries.

Very quickly the doorbell in Jesuit House began to ring. I had a room with a view upstairs and could see the visitors approach. All sorts of people, many from the old days in Canisius or St Edmunds – like the grey Alex Chiteba or the balding Mark Chona down there on the left. It was so clear, just by observing, that they really loved him. There were also many young ladies. Beautiful young ladies I might add. I’d rush down to greet these lovely flowers of God’s creation only to climb straight back up again. "It’s for you Bob, again!" These were girls from Roma, Chivuna, Fatima, Ndola, Ibenga,… from girls' schools all over where Bob had such a powerful ministry giving retreats. I swear they were all in love with him.

I used to scratch my head and wonder what all these people saw in this aging specimen of a man. His hair is falling out and he has these coke bottle spectacles. What has he got that I don’t have? I was even jealous. Not really, but you know what I mean.

The thing is, I’d rarely heard Bob preach. In Kitwe we all went different places for Mass and I was rarely at a Mass that Bob was saying. Ten years ago, not too long after I’d been transferred to Lusaka, we invited Bob as director of the Novena of Grace which is going on as we gather today. It was during that Novena of 1995 that my eyes were opened and I began to fully appreciate his greatness. For me, and I say this with great conviction, he was the most inspiring preacher I ever listened to. Soon afterwards he joined us here at St Ignatius and I heard him very often. My room is just outside the side door there and I could hear his fine eloquent flow without even getting off the bed.

We chose the Story of the Prodigal Son as the Gospel for the Mass because it was, without doubt, Bob’s all time favourite. One of the first times I heard him preach on the parable he asked the question, "What comes right after the part where the Father sees the boy while he was still a long way off?" Hands went up and the popular answer was, "He ran to meet the boy". Bob pointed out 5 important words in between "he was moved with pity".

He was moved with pity. Moved with compassion. The heart of God the Father himself breaking at the sorry state of his poor ruined son.

If asked to put Bob’s spirituality in a nutshell , I’d say it was contained in those 5 words. He was moved with pity. Fr Kelly experienced the gentleness of this compassion over and over again in his own darkness, the heart of tenderness dispelling the gloom in his own soul. The image of God’s heart moved with pity for all His poor sons and daughters crippled by guilt, weighed down by troubles, stricken with depression, trapped and burdened by obsession and sin. You know what it feels like when you are deeply touched by the sadness in someone’s life, when you really feel pity. It’s like your heart is squeezed. Bob’s God was a god of the heart not the head, a god whose heart is constantly squeezed as he looks down at us.

This was Bob’s message, always variations on the same theme. The Father who created us to be joyful and happy is broken hearted at the sight of so many of his little children living in misery and darkness. It was the constancy and conviction of this recurring message that brought so much light and hope to us, his listeners.

The God of the head is entirely different. Any suggestion that the Creator was aloof, a tough judge, a harsh punisher like with AIDS or the tsunami was blasphemy to his ears. He saw people preaching such a God as guilty of worshipping false images, guilty of idolatry.

Fr Kelly touched countless numbers of people preaching his beautiful positive theology and spirituality. I must say something about his writing, his books. But there isn’t much more to say – just the same light, love and hope in the written instead of the spoken word.

I want to tell you about an elderly lady called Sarah in England who read one of his books several years ago. She loved it, got in touch with Bob and asked for more and more to distribute amongst her friends. As you know he had poor health for some years with asthma, congestive heart failure, and nearly died after open heart surgery. About a year ago, when his health was already failing, this same Sarah nearly sent him to an early grave when she hinted she might come to Zambia to meet him. He would not know how to entertain her, where to accommodate her, how to show her the sights. He had a real bad panic attack.

Since his recent strokes and diminished health, I’ve been keeping Sarah informed. She is quite a lady. She raves about Bob’s books and about the huge influence they are having in the ever widening circle she is giving them to. She told me that her project for Lent was to type out ‘Be Still and Know’ and put it on the internet. She has already another of his books completed and up there.

On Tuesday I sent her a brief e-mail telling her of Bob’s death and the great blessing I’d received having had the chance to say goodbye to him the day before. The following day she replied with these words:

‘Dearest Fr Joe,

Thank you so much for your news! You may have said goodbye to him yesterday, but I can say hello to him this morning and your goodbye was only to the poor shell that was left, so you too can join me in greeting a wonderfully restored Bob today.

Even here he has brought many people closer to God with his writing and I am so happy to think he is now where he can meet his beloved Lord who has obviously been a most loving friend to him. And, oh I do love to have yet another friend in high places!’

Isn’t that nice?

Increasingly over the past year Bob’s health has been failing and it has been harrowing for Michael and ourselves. It was like he was going through a kind of purgatory until eventually as Sarah put it, he was just a poor shell. Still God spoke powerfully to me throughout Bob’s illness.

Less that an year ago one his past pupil, Laurence Bwalya, was dying and ending out his days in a very dark place of deep depression. I brought Bob with me to visit, more to help keep him involved than having any expectation that he might actively help in the prayer. But the old Bob woke up for a while that day and for five minutes or so the old eloquence of God’s love and pity for his poor boy flowed out. You could almost see the ice melt and the light return. Laurence died a few days later, very much at peace.

Bob always loved Winnie who works with us in the parish office. Every day it was ‘Morning Win". Instead of doing her office work she would spend hours with him chatting and I end up having to do the newsletter myself. She helped him greatly typing his books and preparing for the printers. She knew how cranky he could be when she was slow delivering the goods. She would take him out for coffee to Manda Hill or to Urshula in Kabulonga.. She shielded him from the worst of the conmen and women who were apt to take advantage of Bob’s kindness. He was a soft touch. We will remember all that kindness and love, Win.

The last attack about 6 months ago left Bob totally helpless and with hardly any awareness or capacity for friendship. At the time of that stroke John Chula house, the retirement home, was under reconstruction, the good Fr Klaus was away and we had to mind Bob right here. People often said to me, "You are so good and kind to Bob". I didn’t feel that way. Some days I found it very hard just to sit with him. I simply hated seeing him in that dehumanised state and some days wanted to slap his face, shake him and say, "Come on Bob. Fight this. Come back to us". I’m the youngest of the Irish Jesuits left in Zambia and in my days of darkness I sometimes wonder if I will be able to stay, grow old and die here. Will there be anyone left to love me or care?. That was another of the great signs. I witnessed such kindness for Bob given by Fr Mwelwa and Fr Chilinda. They sat with him for hours, holding his hand, feeding him, cleaning up after him. All this from two men who never really knew him in his prime. When I think of such love from the young generation of Jesuits now taking over from the old I am greatly consoled. I know now that if I have the companionship of Jesuit brothers like Gentle John and Cheeky Chilinda in my old age I will be truly blessed. And I know that the Jesuit Province of Zambia/Malawi will be ok.

A last sign of God revealing his love through Bob was on Monday afternoon 15 hours before he died. Another of his past pupils, Dr Wasa Kaunda (son of ex President Kenneth Kaunda) was driving past John Chula House when his radiator started to boil.

He pulled to let it cool and popped in to see his old teacher. When I arrived I found the good doctor not tending to Bob’s laboured breathing but sitting quietly by the bedside saying the Rosary for him. I though it was a lovely sign.

I was brought up thinking that holiness was to do with the number of hours one spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament or how hard ones knees got from praying. Now I think it is much more to do with compassion. Having sympathy and empathy. Feeling for and feeling with. Be holy, as your Father is holy. Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Bob was that kind of holy man. All the destruction of the past year has been made new. He is enjoying the embrace of His loving Father whose heart has been moved with pity for Bob’s plight all this time.

And so to Fr Michael and Fr Joe, to Oonagh and Maureen’s older brother, to Fr Klaus’ old patient, to your old teacher, to our lovely Jesuit brother, to our preacher, our spiritual companion, go m’anam cara fein, my soul friend, I say in Irish, Go raibh mile maith agat. Slan agus beannacht go fol. Thank you, farewell and blessings for now.

Muzina lya Taata, alya Mwana, alya Muya Uusalala. Amen.

Messages about Bob received by the Provincial, St. Ignatius (and Father Joe Keaney), and Michael

1. David Masikini (Jesuit Scholastic)

I would like to convey my sincere condolences to your entire family and to you, in particular, at this occasion of the death of your beloved brother Fr. Robert Kelly. Furthermore, I would like to assure you of my prayers and support at this sad moment. May the good Lord continue to strengthen you as you mourn over this great loss!

2. Sister Pereka Nyirenda (Sister of Charity)

I remember Robert Kelly from my school days in Roma and the beautiful retreats he gave us. We would all the singing and dancing around the school grounds at the end of the retreats, full of joy because he just brought alive the reality of God's love for each one of us during the retreats and he himself seemed so close to God so full of the joy of the Lord. I was also struck by his freedom to express his faith and love for God without any inhibitions. He would freely raise his hands to heaven and praise God in song. He was such an example of one so caught up in the Lord that what people thought or said didn't matter. That was my experience of him too a few times I attended the 11.30 mass in St Ignatius on Sundays. He preached with such authority and what he said just struck one so deeply. I better end here now. The news of his death just brought me miles back to the many wonderful and touching experiences I had of him. May he indeed rest in God's eternal peace.

3. Sister Joan Larrissey (Sacred Heart Ferrybank Sister)

This comes with my sympathy to all the Province and especially Michael. He was also so much part of the community at St Ignatius for years. I am going round today recalling times when my path crossed Bob's - he was very much part of the Chivuna scene for retreats for many years. I recall being amazed at his involvement in the Charismatic Renewal in the early days and later I admired him greatly for how he lived it out. Bob has given me many reasons to smile as I recall scenes. I trust that Bob will pray for all his 'Friends from Chivuna' now in heaven as he has done for years already. I hope that his funeral Mass will be a real celebration of life as he lived it and his joyful return to his God whom he so clearly loved.

4. Sister Lucia Rankin (Bursar, Sisters of Charity)

I heard this morning that Bob died yesterday. May he rest in peace. I got to know him well during my years in Chikuni and Roma (1969 - 1992). He was always so good to the 'Charities' and I have very fond memories of him. Please convey my condolences to Michael and Bob's community.

5. Brother John Meade (Education Secretary General, Zambia)

Sympathies on the passing of Bob RIP. A man who gave himself so generously in the service of others. A true minister of God's compassion.

6. Father Joe Komakoma (Secretary General, Zambia Episcopal Conference)

On behalf of the Zambia Episcopal Conference I would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the Jesuit Community in Zambia on the passing on of Fr. Robert Kelly SJ. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

7. Kelly Michelo (Zambian Scholastic, studying in Cape Town)

I received your message about Bob Kelly passing on. Indeed, we have lost a great Jesuit, a writer, preacher, pastor and good companion. Of course us who remain behind have a lot to thank God for his generosity service to the people of Zambia. He has joined all those who have gone before us of whom we admire and learn from him especially in this year of the centenary. May God bless him, give him eternal rest and bring consolation to his family especially Michael.

8. Henry and Ellen Kaluba Commonwealth Secretariat, London)

We have just learnt with great shock and sadness the death of your brother in Zambia. We are thinking of you and your family in this difficult time.

9. Sister Pauline Tembo (Sisters Congregation, Mpika Diocese)

It is with great sorrow that I learnt of the death of Fr. Kelly. Please accept my sympathy and convey my condolences to his brother Fr. M. Kelly and members of his family and of the Society. We recommend his soul into the loving hands of God. He did a lot for the people of God, may his reward be as generous as he was in rendering services to people who suffer because of effects of excessive drinking. May his soul rest in peace. The community offered prayers for his repose.

10. Aaron Chisha (Bishop of Mansa)

I have learned with deep sorrow that Fr. Robert Kelly S.J. passed away yesterday. The diocese of Mansa and I sympathize with you for the loss of a dedicated member of your society. I am offering Holy mass this evening with parishioners at the Cathedral Church for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace and may God console you, members of his family and friends.

11. Emmanuel Mumba (Recently ordained Jesuit priest, studying in USA)

You are the first one to break the news to me. I knew Bob was ailing but did not think he was so close to leaving us. I will miss him in a very deep personal way- but his books, which he made a point to send me a copy each time he produced one, will keep him alive in my heart and in my preaching.

May his soul rest in peace and may the good lord console his family and the many people whose lives he touched and transformed over the years.

12. National Council for the Laity, Lusaka

The National Council for the Laity sends its condolences to you, the Jesuit Communities in Zambia and Malawi, and members of his family, on the call to the Lord of Fr. Robert Kelly SJ.

We are saddened by this news particularly when we reflect at his great contribution to the Zambian Church especially during his term as National Director of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association.

We are saddened by his death as it reduces the number of workers in the vineyard of the Lord as “the harvest is plenty, but the labourers are few….”

On behalf of the Bishop Director of the Laity Rt. Rev. Aaron Chisha, National Pastoral Coordinator Fr. Charles Kasonde, National Council for the laity executive and the Lay faithful we wish the Jesuit Community God’s consolation and may the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola of “Finding God in all things” strength you as you continue with the mission of Christ.

13. Father Jerry O’Connell (Rector, Chikuni; on leave in Ireland)

I offer you and the family my sincere sympathy on the death of your brother, Bob. You know that I am offering Mass for the repose of his soul. I am aware that this is a third bereavement in your family in a short space of time. I have been away from Zambia since August, but reports seem to indicate that his quality of life was deteriorating all the time. In that way I presume that his death was not unexpected
and it will be a relief to him and to you all. Surely we can know that he is gone Home to his Reward. He did really live the spiritual life. We were together in St. Ignatius for most of my time there. And what legacies he has left in Zambia of his many Zambian
friends, his various apostolates and his writings, etc.! There is no doubt that he did great work for the establishing of the Kingdom and obviously Zambia suited him.
I imagine that you will be relieved that you were free enough to get back to Zambia quickly for the funeral. I will be praying with Bob, you and the family these days. I hope to be able to join you for the Mass in Ireland.
I renew my sympathy to you and the family.

14. Gloria Barrett-Sobers (Registrar, University of the West Indies)

It was with deep regret that we received the news of your brother's passing. Please accept our condolences and loving thoughts as you go through this period of mourning and all the sad activities which usually accompany the preparation for last rites. We know, however, that you will be sustained and consoled by the love and grace of God and by your faith that death is not the end. May the presence and comfort of God be yours and may happy memories of times shared help to make your heart glad.

15. Franciscan Sisters of Assisi, Nairobi

We join you in mourning, but even more in praising God for the gift that Fr. Bob Kelly was to us individually and to the Church of Zambia. May his soul rest in peace. Peace to you and God’s blessings on Bob’s family and the whole Jesuit family.

Father Joe Oleksy (Jesuit in Malawi)

Thank you for ;the sad news about Robert Kelly's death.. The Jesuit Community in Chassinga mourns for him and sends our sympathies.

16. Jesuit Scholastics studying in Harare, Zimbabwe

We are with you in prayers at this moment of Bob’s departure to meet his Lord and creator. These days many people are mourning Bob. As his companions in the Society of Jesus, we will miss him. As his dear brother you will, of course, miss him most of all. I hope though that you will take comfort in the fact that so many others will miss him too, for many different reasons. As his companions we knew he was well respected but it is gratifying to see how many others will genuinely miss Bob.

Bob did his good deeds by stealth. He never advertised the fact that he helped so many people in so many different ways. He never talked about his numerous acts of kindness. Yet I believe that a lot of people have been at the receiving end of that kindness. The way he lived his vocation will remain a model for us young Jesuits. He ministered to God’s people with a spirit true to our charism. His published works are especially relevant to the lives of so many. Bob will always be there in our memories deep.

May our Lord and God, who has gladly received Bob in his heavenly court, grant us the consolation we need during these days of our parting with Bob. As Zambia-Malawi Jesuits at Arrupe College, we will have mass for the repose of Bob’s soul on 11^th March at 17: 00hrs.

17. Jackie Lukwesa (had a retreat from him as a school girl)

I heard on the News this morning that Fr. Kelly passed on to eternity. Then immediately I remembered our times with him at Fatima and of course thought of you guys. I really do miss those days!! I remember Fr. Kelly introduced us to that great conversion of a gangster's life of Nicky Cruz, "Run Baby Run." May His Soul Rest In Peace.

18. Charity Shitumbanuma (same as Jackie Lukwesa)

I couldn't agree more with Jackie that Fr. Bob, as we fondly knew him, greatly impacted our 'young' spiritual lives and to a great extent shaped who we are today. We cannot go back to those good old days, but they did prepare us for our life today. I still pray through the great hymns that he introduced to us, more than twenty years ago in Fatima, in the famous red hymn book. The verse of one hymn as I remember it is:

    'And when death comes at the end of the world
    I'll be near you, you'll be near me
    And you'll see me, and you'll touch me
    And I'll be there at your side.......

     And there'll be peace, peace, peace
    Yes, there'll be peace, peace, peace
    There will be peace, peace, peace
     Peace unto you.'

I am singing this one today in the memory of Fr. Bob and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Thanking our Dominican Sisters for introducing Fr. Bob to us and expressing heartfelt condolences to Fr. Michael Kelly and other family members, the Jesuit Community, St Ignatius Parish and the entire Catholic Church in Zambia.

19. Caroline Sokoni (former retreatant)

My condolences on the passing on of Father Bob. I am an ex-fatimanian who has such good memories of his good cheer, and wisdom. May God give you, others in your family, and the rest of the Jesuit family comfort and strength during this time of sorrow.

20. Michael Morrissey, UNESCO office, Jamaica

You have had a time of it over the past two years, but I know it must be wonderful for you to recall those lives of service and love that your brothers and sisters have lived. Our thoughts in Jamaica are with you, as you say au revoir to your brother.

21. Lorna Parkins, University of the West Indies

Marlene shared with me your e-mail message about your brother. Please
accept my sincere condolences and we will continue to remember you and
your family in our prayers. God Bless you all.

22. Emilio Patriarca, Bishop of Monze

On behalf of the diocese of Monze I wish to convey our sincere sympathy to all the members of the Society and in particular to Fr. Michael on the occasion of the death of Fr. Robert Kelly S.J. He has a place in the history of our diocese and we are united with you as you give thanks to God for his life and death. May the soul of Fr. Robert rest in peace.

23. Father John Mudalitsa, Chaplain Nkrumah Teachers’ College

Many people of Nkrumah have asked me to convey their condolences to you.

This afternoon we'll have a Mass at the college to commend the soul of your brother into God's hands.

24. Sister Edelburgis, Dominican Sister

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Fr. Robert Kelly. A very good friend of mine / ours. He helped us grow spiritually through his retreat, his books, his pastoral work in Lusaka and especially by his example. I wish to let you know that we are very sorry because of the loss of such a good person. Soon there will be quite a group of Missionaries to Zambia with the Lord. I hope and pray that they will be intercessors for us here, so that we will be able to carry out what God still wants of us. I pray for you all and also to Fr. Robert for all our needs.

25. Condolences from Moscow

Our heartfelt condolences on the death of the beloved Fr. Robert Kelly, SJ.

Sincere condolences to his younger brother Michael Kelly, SJ and the rest of his family.

We will remember Fr. Robert Kelly especially for the yearly retreats at St. Paul's Secondary School and Roma Girls' Secondary School. We found the retreats spiritually enriching. His little red book of hymns, which was very popular, touched our lives and surely many other people.

Our last encounter with Fr. Bob Kelly was him joining with upraised arms, singing and dancing to the music during a Mass celebration at St. Ignatius Parish in 2003. We thank the Lord for his life.

May His soul rest in Peace.

Kabui and Kambole Mpolokoso, Zambian Embassy, Moscow

26. Message sent out by Sister Janet Fearns on Vatican 105Live

God works in strange ways! I’d written something for this e-mail, only to find that I’ve left it at home and so, instead, I want to write about a priest who was buried this morning in Lusaka, Zambia. You see, the Mass here at lunchtime coincided with his requiem in Zambia. I know that there will have been a huge number of people present. There will have been so many of the traditional hymns and dances that are part of big liturgical celebrations in Africa. There will have been as many of the Jesuits present as possible from the Zambia-Malawi Province. I also know that although our news team wanted me to contact someone for a news report on an entirely different topic, there won’t have been any point in phoning Lusaka. Everybody will have gone to the funeral.

I’m not sure for how many of his 80 years Fr. Bob Kelly had lived in Zambia. I think it was about 45 years altogether, so I was a latecomer to the scene since I was there for only 12 of them. However, during Mass, as I looked up at the beautiful Crucifix behind the Vatican Radio altar, I thought about my own memories of the man. I’d not expected the ordinary Lenten readings for today to be so absolutely appropriate for a funeral. I hadn’t expected to hear the story of Lazarus being raised from! the dead. That seemed to hold some special message. You see, my two main memories of Fr. Bob were of his willingness to spend time in the Confessional and of him dancing at the end of Mass on Easter Sunday morning.

The first time I saw him carried away by the energy of the singing and his own enthusiasm for the wonderful events of Easter, it just seemed so beautiful and appropriate that I was dancing in my heart. (I’m a dreadful dancer otherwise!)

It seems to me that the only thing that makes sense of suffering and death is the Resurrection. So many people do more than their Purgatory on earth. So many people suffer at the hands of others. In a world where there is often injustice, something has to happen to right the balance.

Well, in the chapel at lunchtime, I looked at the Crucifix, with its life-size, very human figure. If God is God, he has to make sense of life. There is abundant joy, but there is also abundant pain.

I remembered the story, apparently true, of the execution of some concentration camp prisoners. Every inmate was forced to watch the executions. One of the prisoners, a young boy, was too light for the noose and took a long time to die. Someone asked bitterly, “Where is God in all this?” His neighbour answered “There beside him, on the Cross!”

Well, think of all that has happened so far this year. There have been many stories of heartbreak and suffering as well as many stories of joy. Where has God been in it all? There, on the Cross…but the Cross led to the Resurrection, and the Resurrection is worth singing and dancing about….even if, like me, you are not a dancer. Fr. Bob had the right idea. He could dance with Easter joy. He’s probably dancing right now, whilst everybody else is coming away from his burial. Rest in peace, Bob! Dance for joy and we’ll join you!

God bless,

Sr. Janet

Web outreach and development

PS If you are interested in reading one of Fr. Bob’s books online, go to his site at http://www.robertkellysj.co.uk/whole_book.htm. They’re really easy reading. Promise you!

27. Victor Kachaka, Lawyer, Namibia

My sincere condolences to the Zambia-Malawi province and the family of Fr. Robert Kelly, S.J.

28. Schmidt Family, Düsseldorf, Germany

We just learned from Charity Shitumbanuma that your brother Robert passed away. So we'd like to offer our condolences to you. We've still got one of his books "A joy so glorious" and we remember him preaching at UNZA every once in a while when we stayed there. As the attached card implies he's gone on ahead of us to the place where we all belong. {The card shows a graveyard and has the caption: “Graveyards are the cloakrooms of eternity”)

May you and your family feel comfort and peace during this time of mourning.

29. Gerry Keaney, brother of Father Joe Keaney

I feel very sad myself just reading this news, the little talks Bob and I usually had on my visits were valued. Last year was the first that Bob was not up to it, this year seeing his diminishing mind and body even with my pills on board was deeply saddening and brought to mind our powerlessness and that everything is in God's hands. I will say a prayer for you and for Bob, I'm sure he does not need it.

30. Patricia Lumbi, parishioner

Mum and Dad just called us to tell us about the death of Father Kelly. Flo and I wanted you and the other priests to know that we have you in our prayers and we will be praying for him and his family.

31. Hillary Keaney, sister of Father Joe Keaney

I was saddened to hear this morning of the death of poor old Bob. The poor man, sounds like he had to go through a lot before the Good Man above released him. You must be able to take some comfort from the fact that you saw him yesterday and prayed with him. I can only imagine how much you will miss him as he has always been an important 'father' figure and friend in your life ......... may he rest in peace.

I am thinking of you and will remember you and all Bob’s family in my prayers.

32. Charity Chileshe, parishioner living elsewhere

Thank you , Father Joe, for your message. A part of me is grateful that he is at rest now. He was a wonderful person and he is going to be greatly missed. So please correct me if I am wrong, you said he will lie in state in the church on Thursday 10th from 16.30h.

33. Kasonde Konie, parishioner

My condolences and prayers go out to you and the Community. As you point out, he has gone home and May His Soul rest in Eternal Peace.

34. Sarah Bell (English lady who was captivated by Bob’s books)

Dearest Fr. Joe, Thank you so much for your news! You may have said goodbye to Bob yesterday, but I can say hello to him this morning and your goodbye was only to the poor shell that was left, so you too can join me in greeting a wonderfully restored Bob today.

Even here he has brought many people closer to God with his writing and I am so happy to think he is now where he can meet his beloved Lord who has obviously been a most loving friend to him.

Thank you for writing to me. I shall have a Mass said to thank God for having had to chance to know him even a little. Oh, I do love to have yet another friend in high places!

35. Frank Gregg, Newbridge, to Father Joe Keaney

Thanks for your immediate e-mail. I was away and received it today. I told Aiden and Jean and a great mutual friend of Bob's - Fr. Aidan Carroll. We are so so sad. It is a big hole in our lives and you must be distraught . I am joyful too as I am for Mag in that the entire purpose of his life is coming to fruition. Bob always loved the word becoming, and I can visualise him travelling into God more and more.

I shed tears talking with Jean and she cried too. I am privileged to weep for him. We loved him. I am reminded that Jesus wept too.

36. Sitali Konoso, Management Consultant, UK

I'm terribly sorry to hear about Fr Kelly's death. Thank you for letting me know as I had not yet heard the sad news. Your email really touched me. In my last note to you I had every intention to ask after him as he had crossed my mind. As you rightly put it he was truly an inspiration for many in the catholic community and touched the lives of many including my older bother whom he taught at St Edmunds in Mazabuka and later married at St Ignatius in 1985. His books also offer comfort to a number of people including myself.

Father Kelly was truly dearly loved and I'm pleased we were all able share our loss and send him off with all the deserving love. What better way to send him off than with Fr. Joe's beautiful homily! It must have put a smile to his face and knew that he'd be truly missed. I'm sure he'll be watching out for all of us.

I was glad to read that he went peacefully and that Our Mother Mary was there to comfort him in his last moments. May his soul rest in peace.

I hope your family finds comfort in our prayers.

37. Patricia Lungu, to Father Joe Keaney

I didn't hear about Fr. Kelly's passing until much later in the night when Mr. Tony Katepa phoned to tell me. It was a situation where one knew that Fr. Had had his share of life and that time had come for him to meet his Creator, but the man in man did not want to let go. He was so positive and jovial even at the time that things were not so pleasant. I remember going to see him in his illness, I knew he couldn't
recognise me and he made such a big joke about it. I envied him for that courage. He was indeed a source of light to most of us. It seemed to me like he understood everyone at St Ignatius whether young or old. To some of us who read his books, we will definitely miss that reflective mood that they always gave us. May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

I know it must be very difficult for you especially as you talked about him with so much affection. May you also find peace in knowing that he has gone to rest in the blossom of the Lord. You always seem to encourage everyone in sorrow so I don't really know what to say to you now, but I pray that you will find the strength to pick up from you left with Fr. Kelly and carry his light the way he would have wanted you to. My regards and condolences.

38. Clare Mukolwe (accountant and stock exchange specialist, Lusaka) to Mwangala Muyoyeta

I'm sure by now you have got the news about our very dear Fr Bob Kelly (have not yet checked my yahoo).....Please remember him in your prayers; though I'm sure he is rejoicing with our Father and the angels up there! You know what Mwangala .....after expressing a bit of sadness initially, so far everyone I've spoken or been in touch with says they have no doubt he'll rest in peace! Fr Kelly has helped countless souls through his books, retreats, personality....the list is endless. We have lost; but God saw it fit to take him now.

The world would be so much better if we had more of Fr. Bob's kind; He enriched so many lives spiritually - some may not even have heard that he passed on - we ask that somehow they'll get to know by God's Grace.

39. Mwangala Muyoyeta to Clare Mukolwe

Yes I remember our dear Fr Kelly with great fondness. He was such a gentle soul.....I always remember him taking pride in his two brothers who were also priests. Particularly the one in New York, "Parish priest at St. Malachi's in Manhattan, NYC, if ever you go there look him up and tell him who you are...." The few times I've been to New York I've come very close to looking for him...one of these days I really should do it. Fr Kelly was such a great man with a Very big heart. I'll certainly miss him as I pray that his soul will rest in peace, of which though I have no doubt.

40. Martina Katema (staunch Catholic family) to Father Joe Keaney

No we hadn't heard the sad news and thank you for letting us know. He was indeed a great light for all of us. I was actually looking at the books he wrote and thinking that I should read through them again. May his Soul Rest in Peace. How is the novena (of grace) going? Please continue to remember us in your prayers. We're actually taking part in it as a family. Keep well and God Bless.

41. Zambia Association of Catholic Professionals

The Zambia Association of Catholic Professionals (ZACP) wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the Jesuit Community in the Zambia/Malawi province and at St Ignatius in particular. He is a man who most of us knew, from a parish priest through to a grandfather. May His Soul Rest In Peace.

42. To Father Joe Keaney from Sister Janet Fearns

Greetings from Rome! You have been in my thoughts since Jim e-mailed me to let me know of Bob's death, as I had heard that the two of you were good friends.

My thoughts have also been full of images of Bob dancing in the sanctuary at St. Ignatius, at the end of Mass, especially on Easter Sunday morning. Well, I reckon he'll be perpetually dancing now, and with every reason for joy.

Life must have been tough for Bob during the past few years as his health deteriorated, and he must have found it so hard when he became unable to read. I suppose that, as a reader myself, I can identify with that and can understand what it must have meant to Bob. He won't need books now!

Joe, my thoughts and prayers are with you and with all those in the Province, in Chula House and in St. Ignatius, who will be missing Bob. I will be with you in prayer tomorrow as the Mass at the radio just happens to coincide with the requiem.

May God be close to you.

43. Sylvia Mulenga, ex-parishioner

I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the priests and members of St Ignatius parish on the death of Father Robert Kelly. May his soul rest in peace.

It hurts so much especially that I am away from home to hear about the death of Father Kelly. It was a bad idea to leave home especially when I have to miss the Novena of Grace and hearing that it is getting more and more interesting each year. This is the second year I have missed the Novena and it feels like I have been away for many years, it just shows how much I miss everything at St Ignatius.

44. Father Conor Harper, Clongowes, to Father Joe Keaney

Many thanks for your thoughtful message concerning Bob. May he rest in peace.

He always took good care of me during my different stays in Zambia and I know that he will be greatly missed in St. Ignatius. Things will not be the same in the community with Bob and Des missing. They were both very central to all that happened in the Church and the wider community. I am also aware of the affection in which they were held by the members of the Jesuit community.

Bob was always a kind and gentle priest who showed great sensitivity to the needs of those around him. I know that he suffered greatly in recent years by the limitations imposed on him by ill health - but he still battled on. If he has not already heard the welcome words "Well done, good and faithful servant" I do not know what hope there is for the rest of us!

Please convey my deep and sincere sympathy to the members of the community and to all who mourn for him. He is also mourned in this part of the world.

45. Kay Smith to Father Joe Keaney

It was with great sadness that I read your e-mail tonight, no I hadn't heard and I am so pleased that you took the time out of your busy day to write. It is always a shock even when you know someone is on the last lap of their journey Home - now, as you say - he can really be at peace - He'll be dancing and waving his arms up high having a great time, and he won't even get out of breath!!! - and knowing that he is at last sharing in the Joy that is rightfully his will at least be some comfort to you in your hours of 'temporarily obscured light'. I know you two were very close and I know you will miss his presence greatly. The Parish and everyone whose lives he touched will remember him fondly, and his writings will live on - he'll be greatly missed. I shall pray for him of course and I would love you to say a Mass for him on my behalf.

46. Adrian Barry, Dublin (banker) to Father Joe Keaney

I read yesterday of the sad passing of Fr. Bob. May he rest in peace! Heaven is the richer and Zambia the poorer for his passing but the Good Lord knows best.

Kathleen had a stroke in February 2003 but recovered well. However she continues to suffer from headaches so we are pursuing investigation of these so far fruitlessly. As a result of the stroke she is reluctant to undertake long flights, hence we have not returned to Lusaka.

I hope you and all the community are well and still doing so much to help the poor people of Zambia.

Adrian & Kathleen Barry.

PS. If you or any one else need a bed in Dublin when passing through just let us know.

47.Chongo Mwila (teaching in Botswana) to Father Joe Keaney

I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult times. I got a message from Elizabeth yesterday and I wanted to give you a call immediately and then remembered it must be pretty hectic right now, so I have decided to wait until things are quieter there, maybe Monday evening.

This is how I will remember Bob......

Visiting me in Nkana Hospital, before and after the birth of Hannah, holding my hand, reassuring me and blessing me in such a gentle, unassuming manner, so soft his voice. Dear Bob, sometimes I had to strain my ears to hear what he was saying, so gentle ...so dear.

Visiting Joseph in Kitwe Central Hospital, again in the same role as a comforter and a friend....and the day Joseph died, he told me earlier to hold his hand and tell him I loved him....

A few years later Bob was there again in my life, without much significance this time, but always with a smile, a kind word and some humour. Telling Hannah he was R. Kelly, when the only R. Kelly she knew and believed in was the rapster. In the car going home she asked, "Is he really R. Kelly?" Being so young she couldn't imagine a priest making it all up.

Then he discouraged her from wearing all those bling necklaces and told her only the rosary could save her if she got into trouble and next she was wearing that dreadful red rosary, huge thing I got from the office.

Yes there were many things to love, admire and fear in Bob. His spirituality was almost razor sharp, piercing and penetrating.

I thank God that my children and I have these good and fond memories. I thank him for the gift of Bob's life. But most of all I thank him that I have been privileged to know you and have you as a friend. My dear Joe, not half the man Bob was as a spiritual 'farmer' but stupendous and tremendous in your own ways; your love and devotion to the Catholic church, its faith and its people are unmatched.

Stay well, remain faithful and be joyful and glad that you were Bob's friend to the end.

48. Mutale Katema to Father Joe Keaney

It was with great sadness that Albert and I heard of Father Bob Kelly's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the whole St Ignatius family.

He was a wonderful person, I sometimes thought he was an angel sent to guide us. He always had a smile, a story, a moment to chat and an incredible sense of peace surrounded him. He was one of those people who made you feel everything would be okay, it will pass.

Its funny we had some guest over the weekend and we were watching the wedding video and one of the girls who was also at Mpelembe recognised him and remembered his sermons were always thought provoking and inspiring.

Auntie Crescentia was telling us that the past few months have not been easy on him or those of you closest to him. I was sad to hear of this, to watch anyone suffer is painful but in a person like him I think it is doubly so. He is missed, but his spirit will live on in our hearts. So we shall be sad for ourselves but glad for him because he is no doubt where he wants to be I can imagine him dancing in the aisles of heaven the way he used to during the masses especially with the buomba (drums).

Take care of yourself, I know this is a busy time for you, we have also been doing the novena in our little corner of Coventry so we think of you and our spiritual family every day.

49. Father Tony Jansens, Marianist, Lusaka

Condolences on the death of Bob. He was a priest of priests, a great spiritual guide for anyone searching for the way to Christ. We are saying Mass for him here in the Community.

50. Carol Coombe, Education Consultant, Pretoria

Thank you for writing, and telling us your sorrowful news. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family, and with the Jesuit community in Zambia. I pray that Robert's passing was peaceful and dignified, and that he managed to stay out of hospital to be cared for by those who loved him and knew him well.

God has taken him home. It was time for Robert to go, to be at peace, to be whole and fulfilled once again. But you know that and I am too unversed in these matters to say more than God rest his soul.

51. Christian Brothers, Lusaka

We are remembering with gratitude the wonderful compassionate service your beloved Bob gave to the people of Zambia. In a special way we remember the service he gave as chaplain to Saint Edmund’s, Mazabuka. We remember you and your family in our prayers.

52. Raymond Mpezele, Bishop of Livingstone

Sincere condolences to Father Michael Kelly, the members of his family, and the Jesuits in Zambia on the death of Father Robert Kelly. It is hard for the Society of Jesus, and especially Father Michael, to lose such a man. Mass was celebrated this morning for the repose of the soul of Father Robert and for his bereaved family.

53. Jesuit Community, Luwisha House

We share our sympathies with you and many prayers on the passing of Bob. Such a great priest, Jesuit, human being—an inspiration to all of us. We are all with you at this time of sorrow and loss.

54. Father Pete Henriot, Director, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection. Lusaka

My personal sympathies on Bob’s death. Over the years he meant much to me—words of encouragement, articles he wrote, retreats he gave me, and the great example of a wonderful Jesuit priest. I mourn with you and I rejoice with you for the wonderful reward Our Lord will bestow on him. Please know of my prayers for you and you family at this time.

55. Staff, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, Lusaka

Kindly accept our prayers and condolences following Bob’s death. We believe he will live on with us, especially through his books, until such time as we will meet on that beautiful other shore. Meantime may God bless you and your family in their bereavement.

56. Board of Governors, Zambia Open Community Schools

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Bob. We thank the Lord for the gift he was to all of us. We will miss him greatly. You are in our prayers.

57. Edna Choongo, Education Secretariat, Lusaka

May God give you peace and courage during this trying time of the loss of Bob. Nothing I can say will ease the sorrow that you bear, but still I want you to know that I understand and care.

58. Dolly Kazoka and Family (ex-parishioners, now living in Denmark)

We would like to convey our deepest condolences on the death of Fr. Kelly. Though we were not in contact with him we always thought about him and we are going to greatly miss him. We moved to Denmark and time has just been going on and now Fr. Kelly is dead. I really feel sad and I hope he knows that I always thought about him though I never took take time to sit and write to him. I guess you must be feeling sad too. Fr. Kelly was a very good and kind man, may his soul rest in peace. Convey my condolences to all the priests and parishioners and also to Fr. Kelly’s family.

59. Father Leo Amani, Tanzanian Jesuit, Rector of Jesuit Theologate, Abidjan, Ivory Coast (written to the Jesuit Provincial, Zambia)

I am writing to you and through you to the entire Zambia-Malawi Province. A former novice of mine has written to inform me of the sad news of the demise of our beloved Fr. Bob Kelly. I hereby send you, and all who knew and loved Bob, my deep condolences for the departure of this great man. He gave me a retreat once when he was chaplain at a school in Mazabuka. I enjoyed seeing him with his brother Professor, Fr. Michael Kelly, at Luwisha House where he would come from Kitwe to visit him. Michael would stop everything and spend what appeared to me as lovely moments with his brother. How much they loved each other! And enjoyed each other's company. This reunion would evoke in me the words of the psalmist: How good and lovely for brothers to be together! When I last visited Lusaka, I had the privilege of spending an hour or so with Bob at St. Ignatius, in a very spiritual conversation. He gave me for free, each of his spiritual books for the Arusha novitiate. I attach below a novice's witness (with his permission) who benefited a lot from reading most of them. I have already celebrated Mass for Bob. He will be missed indeed in Zambia to which he has give practically all of his life. He will be missed by all of us fellow Jesuits but especially by Michael his brother. May he rest in eternal peace!

60. Philip Muthuri, Tanzanian Jesuit to Leo Amani, his former novice director

Hallo Fr Amani, I hope I am not bothering you with too many mails. How was your day today? I am writing to notify your of the death of Fr. Kelly, a Jesuit whom I have never met and who inspired me greatly while I was in the novitiate through his spiritual writings. I remember very well how you used to avail to me some of his books from which I drew great nourishment and strength. There is a lot that I have shared with other people and which I can still share from what I have gained from Fr Kelly's spiritual reflections. How I wish I could touch people through writing good spiritual books like him. I kindly request you to offer a special Mass on our behalf in thanksgiving for the blessing we received as novices through the gift of Fr Kelly. I too will remember him in our community prayer this evening.

61. Father Dick Cremins, S.J., Malawi

I have just been reading what Jesus said to Martha: Your brother will live again, and I know that is what we both believe about Bob. So while I offer you (and through you to your family) my sympathy on his death, I am aware that we do not mourn like those who have no hope. Indeed, there are many reasons for believing that he has already heard the greeting, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord. Bob and I took our first and final vows together. As a novice I used to observe him writing copious -- apparently -- spiritual notes, while I hardly had an idea in my head. He was always a man of God and his deep spiritual life showed first in his preaching and then in his writing, which were full of unction, in its best sense, and conviction. He could speak a powerful word and that was the key to his success in leading people to the Lord, whether they were youth or adults. We first worked together at Canisius where he was a dedicated and highly successful teacher. As Lay Apostolate Chaplain I saw him bring the same zeal to his work with the Pioneers and in parishes. So he traded his talents without wasting any of them. We worked in rather different corners of the Vineyard, but on reflection I realise that I have always been edified and inspired by him. It must be a source of satisfaction to you to have had such a great man for your brother. I am happy to have been allowed in the Society to share somewhat in that relationship.

Of course we have offered Masses and prayed for him here in Lilongwe. He will always be in my prayers, as I hope I will be in his, until we meet again in the not far distant future.

62. Fr. Michael T. Kelly, S.J., Pastor, San Diego

I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your dear brother Bob. RIP. He was a great priest and his death is a great loss to all. So many people over the years have mentioned the retreats he gave them which had such a lasting effect on their lives. Bob's book on AIDS was such a wonderful help in the early 90's when there was nothing to offer clients. I gave each new client a copy of Bob's wonderful consoling book. I met him first on the steps of Tullabeg when I visited there in the summer of 1963 as a school boy at the invitation of Richard Brenan RIP. Bob was very gracious to me. At the end of the visit I travelled with your late father in the train as far as Kildare where I changed trains for Kilkenny. Your father was very kind to me. RIP Bob is with the Lord and helping us already. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

63. Patricia Chisanga, parishioner, now overseas

I could not find the words to immediately express the sadness I felt when I learnt of the passing away of Father Bob Kelly. My heart goes out to the Jesuit Community for the loss of yet another of your incredibly great men.

I am comforted though, by one thing of which I am certain, as you point out, this great soul, Christ personified, is with His Lord surrounded by a host of angels singing in unison "what the Lord has done for me ". I am also comforted by the thought that his many sermons will remain with us forever through the books that he wrote. I will personally treasure his memory in my heart.

My prayer is that the good Lord in his abundant grace will continue to grant your community the courage, fortitude, patience, and perseverance to continue to nourish us with His word. You will never imagine the depth of gratitude in which you men of great faith continue to transform our lives.

Please be comforted in the knowledge that not a single sparrow falls to the ground without Him knowing about it. How can He not be with each dying person, gather that person into His embrace, and offer them a place in His kingdom? We should let Jesus comfort us with the promise that he will never abandon us.

I made a flower offering in the memory of Fr. Kelly. I know he loved flowers.

May His great soul rest in peace.

64. Michael Kelly, London

I was very sorry to hear the news of Robert's death. It was not unexpected but that does not take away from the sadness of his passing. I am happy that you were there to do his funeral but concerned about you and the fact that you have buried three siblings in so short a space of time. I recall you saying to me in a previous e-mail how you would like to be with Bob when he died and my thoughts were certainly with you as you flew back to Lusaka for his funeral knowing that you could not be with him in the sense you hoped. I am sure he received a great send off and is laid to rest in the land and with the people he dedicated his life to.

I believe Bob does not need our prayers, for if any man deserved to skip the queue and go straight through the gates of heaven and into paradise it was him. My prayers are for those of us left behind, who mourn a man dearly loved. But my prayer will certainly be for you, Joe, Mau and Oonagh who have had to bear the burden of the loss of three cherished brothers/sister in the past year.

Donald phoned me on Tuesday morning to tell me the news. It was kind of him to think of me. By chance Ruth was ill (something called a Rotary virus - vomiting and diarrhoea) and I took the day off. She went to the childminder with Robert but I thought it safer to remain close just in case. When I dropped them and Jenny at school I went to the parish for nine Mass. It was nice just to be there to remember, pray for and give thanks for Bob's life. Naturally it brought back many reminders and feelings about Dad's death. I spent part of the day clearing out some old letter files and would you believe it the first letter (which I have kept) I found was one Bob wrote to me when he was in Ireland a couple of visits ago. He was musing about a visit to Veritas and seeing all the books, then seeing one of the ones he had written and wondering who would buy a book written by a fellow named Kelly!

65. Sister Anne Kavanagh, Franciscan Sister, England

I know the impact he had on so many people including our own sisters and many of the students with whom I worked at UNZA. He will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.

66. Dr. Lloyd Lukama, Research and Development Engineer, BBC, London

It is with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Fr. Kelly. He was a truly great man! I first met Bob at Mpelembe Secondary School in Kitwe in 1989-90. He was really a good ambassador of the Gospel of Jesus and made one always look forward to going to the mass on Saturday afternoon. I will miss him. I have also had a chance to read the homily you delivered at his funeral mass and felt greatly inspired by it. There is a lot many of us did not know about the man. I never suspected he suffered from depression. He always looked happy and full of life. In fact, one is tempted to say he always fired up! But with a gentle fire if such a thing exists. Bob was a truly great man and will be greatly missed. He inspired generations of many Zambians to love God and to be proud Catholics in the midst of fundamentalism!

67. Tomaida Milingo, University Lecturer, Lusaka

Heartfelt sympathy and understanding in the loss of your beloved Father Bob. May the good Lord give him eternal rest and may he be rewarded for all the work he did for us and our country Zambia. And may God console you.

68. Inspector General of Police, Lusaka

On behalf of the Zambia Police Service Officers and indeed on my own behalf I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family members, Catholic community, friends, workmates and the Jesuit community on the death of Father Robert Kelly, S.J. May his soul rest in peace and may God bless you all.

69. Archbishop Tresphor Mpundu, Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka

His Grace Archbishop Mpundu has spoken of the deep sorrow with which he learned of the death of Father Kelly. He extends his sincere condolences on behalf of the entire Episcopal conference and assures the Jesuits working in Zambia of his prayers during this trying period. May the Lord who has called Father Kelly from this life grant him eternal rest.

70. Sister Gabrielle, Dominican Sister, Lusaka

Sincere sympathy to you, the Kelly family and the Jesuit family on the death of Father Robert Kelly. Through his ministry I have come to know the healing love of Christ. May he now live in that unconditional lover he so powerfully preached.

71. Nkandu Family, Ndola

Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the death of our dear family friend, Father Robert Kelly. We will miss him greatly for his kind counsel and spiritual direction. May his soul be accepted in eternal rest.

72. Lorraine Lawrence, East London, South Africa

I am so glad to have your email. I wrote to you at Maureen's address to tell you about Charles, then heard from Theresa Chisanga that your brother Bob had died. And then Trevor told me that Maureen had been terribly ill too. I feel just as you do; devastated but relieved and very peaceful about Charles. So I send you my love, prayers and share your grief. It is very difficult to lose your sibling; they have shared your life in a different way from others and there is a big gap. As you say Bob had a wonderful life and if he was suffering as you said, then we can rejoice that he is at peace now, whole again and looking down on us with love. I remember him well as a part of my life in Zambia.

73. Sister Catherine Gough, Sacred Heart of Mary Sister

I was away in Harare/Mutare when I heard the sad news of Bob's death, RIP and did not get a chance to write until now. I shed a few tears and felt a deep sadness. You must have been particularly grieved as you were so close to him and were so kind to him always. And I was thinking of Winnie and her love for him too. Please tell her I send a hug. I only knew Bob in St Ignatius but he always had a loving and compassionate message and was brilliant in Confession 'Forget all about that now Catherine just remember God loves you" And he was right too! I often met people who wanted to know when his Mass was so they could attend. His message was hopeful and comforting. His books were always popular with the Pre Novices - full of wisdom, truth and simplicity. Colm was telling us funny stories of him when he passed through here and it seems his latter days were difficult. I hope the end was easy. He will be welcomed on the other side. Our prayers continue to support you and the Community at St Ignatius. May you have many to replace Bob in the years to come.

74. Nalishebo Meebelo, Parishioner

God Bless you Father Michael. We will remember your family in our prayers. We hope you all will believe and trust in the good Lord to take care of Robert in his short absence from us. Only He knows when and why He calls us Home.

By the way you taught my late father, Henry Meebelo, at Canisius College in Chikuni. I don't forget that bit.

75. Father John Fitzgerald, S.J., Crescent, Limerick

We share a loss in that our elder brothers gave gone before us. Bob’s going will have been apparent for quite a time—Eddie’s was more sudden. So sorry I cannot be with you for the dernier adieu in Lusaka as you were with the family and all of us at Gardiner Street. I shall make every effort to be at the Mass in Dublin. Bob was my Tonga teacher back in 1953 and a very good one too. Nihil tetigit quid ornavit (he enhanced everything he undertook). He was a man of faith and is among the few who have left behind worthwhile and influential writings. So his memory will live on and he will continue to help others. He was such a good communicator in the classroom, the pulpit and the printed page. He had so many friends and admirers, including all those he taught and inspired. I can picture them assembling at St. Ignatius’ when so many will be drawn together by shared memories of the good old days.

76. Father Peter Bwanali, S.J., Jesuit Residence, Milwaukee

I am writing to give you my condolences regarding the passing away of your brother Bob. This note comes to you somewhat late, because it is only yesterday that Colm confirmed the news that your brother had died. Somehow I did not receive the official communication. I prayed for Bob at mass yesterday and will continue to pray for him, and the consolation of your family and friends. May Mary, the mother of Jesus, intercede for us all. He was a good man, very friendly and welcoming.

77. Michael Kelly, London (2^nd Message)

Thank you so much for sending the account of Bob's last days, Joe Keaney's magnificent and powerful homily, and the fourteen pages of sympathy messages. I was deeply moved (in tears actually) and was staggered by the range of people who wrote and from the different parts of the world they now reside. Then this morning the photos which I was delighted to see. The photo of Bob in his room taken in November last year is lovely. He had aged since I last saw him and for one second when I first opened it I saw Dad. Perhaps it was the angle it was taken but it so reminded me of him for that split second.

Bob's death and funeral, although sad, was a wonderful statement about him, about life and about service in the vineyard of the Lord. They say that you don't know someone until they die and there were aspects of Bob's life that I found amazing and moving. He was certainly a people person as the sympathy messages testify to. He loved people, and whatever their need was he would answer in so far as he could and then live with the pain of perhaps not being able to do more for them. I can now understand his righteous anger on behalf of those who are forgotten, ignored or discriminated against in any way, whether by public officials or the church. That accompaniment (not sure if this is a word in the English language but it has a powerful meaning in Spanish) opened him to the pain and hurt of others which he embraced at a personal cost to himself. His faith in a God of Love and Life did not remove the pain but gave him the energy to sustain his commitment. No wonder he is seen as an example for younger Jesuits and no doubt by many many others across the globe. I shall certainly read his books with renewed interest and perhaps see their content in a slightly different way.

The outpouring of love and support by those who surrounded you through his death and funeral are also testament to the man he was. In a sense their embrace was his embrace, offering comfort and support at a very painful time.

I am delighted there is to be a Mass in Dublin after Easter. I will phone Donald and find out when it is as I want to be there. It will be a chance for those of us who are far away to come together, mourn and give thanks for a life well lived, give thanks for a very human person and comfort each other as we say farewell to a cherished uncle and friend.

78. Carol Coombe, Pretoria (2^nd Message)

I simply cannot find the right words to say how profoundly the three texts about Bob's life, and the life of the Jesuit community, have moved me. Tears are still streaming down my face, and will for a while to come.

It is not sorrow for Bob, but for the joy people had in their association with him, and for the real loving-kindness and compassion that weave their way in and out of people's recollections of him. His joy, his compassion was theirs.

I have been reminded of the existence of goodness, even where there is evil, of great love among networks of people, even where individuals are increasingly isolated by the demands of poverty and illness, of the great boon of compassion - for it feeds the one who is compassionate as much as it feeds those in need of compassion - even where the demands on one's compassion seem too heavy to bear.

79. Kitty O’Flaherty and Pierre, Clermont, France

We are so sorry to hear of Robert's death R.I.P. but I can assure you, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I know Michael parting is so sad and you have to have courage but today you know he is in heaven praying for you all. I know it was sad that he went when you were in Ireland but still God had you where you were wanted most and I am sure it was a help to your two sisters that it was you that was breaking the news.

80. Sister Cuscpas (?), Dominican Sister, Fatima

With sadness, pain and great consolation I heard and read of the death of your dear brother Bob. He has been a good and dear friend to me for many years. Writing to you is perhaps a greater need and consolation for me than for yourself. People and friends like Robert are very rare in my life and I miss him. But I think that it won’t be all that long till we meet again in the glory he used to sing and preach about. His witness stays with me.

81. Sister Margaret Mary Chileshe, Sister of Charity, Kabwe

I am awfully sorry about the death of your brother, Father Bob. Be assured of my support in prayers at this very difficult time for you and your family. I don’t have to tell you, you know that Bob was a lovely person and very spiritual and also loved by many. He will be greatly missed. I’m sure he now enjoys the consolation of the fullness of life in Christ.

82. Sister Exildah Kabaso

As many hearts go out to you in sympathy I wish to also express my sincere condolence over the death of your dear brother. May God strengthen you as you go through this time of pain and sorrow.

83. Happy Patrick Mzumara, S.J., Malawi

It saddened me when I heard about the death of your brother Bob. I know it is not easy for you and the entire family to lose Bob. Bob was always loved by many people and I do remember him helping me out during my difficult times as a novice and as a young Jesuit. He really helped me and his death is my loss too. I know that Bob is with the Lord, praying for all of us here on earth. May his soul rest in peace.

In addition, messages of sympathy and/or cards from:

Alice Ochanda, UNESCO, Nairobi
Father Hyacinth Ennis, O.F.M., Pretoria
Peter Badcock-Walters, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
Wendy Heard, Mobile Task Team, Durban,
Rose Smart, Mobile Task Team, Johannesburg
Kenneth Kalaluka, former pupil, Lusaka
Dominic Haamutete, former pupil and now university lecturer, Lusaka
Stephen and Esther Mushanga, House Staff, Luwisha House
Sister Prisca Matenga, Lusaka
Rosalia Matenga, Lusaka
Una Leedom, Jesuit Mission Office, Dublin
Kevin O’Rourke, Jesuit Missions, Dublin
Sister Pereka Nyirenda, Sister of Charity, Dublin
Marlene Hamilton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of the West Indies
Alwyn Bully, UNESCO, Jamaica
Liz Higgins, Irish Embassy, Uganda
Maire Matthews, Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin
Nicola Brennan, Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin
Bonnie Neugebauer, Early Childhood Specialist, Washington
Anita Sandstrom, Swedish Embassy, Lusaka
Dorothy Garland, Association of Commonwealth Universities, London
Father Eustace Sequiera, Jesuit on sabbatical in the United States
Professor Brendan Bain, University of the West Indies
Sister Kayula Lesa, Sister of Charity studying at University of London
Sister Theresa Simwizi and the Franciscan Sisters, Lusaka
Sisters of Charity, Regional House, Lusaka
Sister Pereka, Sister of Charity, Harold’s Cross, Dublin (3^rd message)
Daughters of the Redeemer, Lusaka
Sister Auxilia Ponga, D.O.R., Lusaka (with a bouquet of flowers)
Mr. and Mrs. Kabwiri, Lusaka
Zambia Young Christian Students, Lusaka
Tony Montfort, Jesuit Missions, London
Ngo Thanh Loan, UNESCO Office, Bangkok
Jan W. de Lind van Wijngaarden, HIV/AIDS Unit, UNESCO, Bangkok
Natasha Kelsick, Communications and Distribution, IIEP, Paris
Maria and Billy Nkunika, Steadfast Action, Lusaka
Shimwaayi Muntemba and Board of Zambia Orphans of AIDS, Washington
Bright Makaya, HIV Positive Person, Lusaka
Chris Mudenda, Chairperson, International Students Conference on AIDS
Peter Busse, Chair, Board of Trustees, Regional AIDS Initiative for Southern Africa
Father Alan McGuckian, S.J., Ireland
Father Gerry Bourke, S.J., Ireland

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