Obituary of The Most Reverend Clarence J. Kelly

ROUND TOP - His Excellency Bishop Clarence J. Kelly, zealous apostle of the Sacred Heart, passed away peacefully on the evening of First Saturday, December 2, 2023. Bishop Kelly was holding his crucifix and was surrounded by members of the Congregation of St. Pius V and the Daughters of Mary, as well as family members.

Clarence James Kelly, 82, was born on November 23, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Edward and Claire (Bonar) Kelly. At the age of seventeen, he joined the United States Air Force. After serving for four years, he entered the Franciscans in Hollidaysburg, PA. He graduated magna cum laude from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1969 with a degree in philosophy. He then transferred to Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, NY, and began his course of theology.

After meeting Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who was training seminarians to hold fast to the traditional Latin Mass and the true Catholic Faith, he entered the seminary in Econe, Switzerland, and was ordained by the Archbishop in Econe on April 14, 1973, for the Society of St. Pius X. Soon after Father Kelly's ordination, he returned to the United States and served almost ten years as the Northeast District Superior for the Society of St. Pius X. He established numerous missions throughout the country where only the Tridentine Latin Mass was offered. In 1983 he formed the Society of St. Pius V to continue this work.

Father Kelly founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Our Savior, in 1984, so that there would be Sisters to comfort the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to promote this devotion among the laity. As Spiritual Father, Father Kelly taught the Sisters by word and example to love the Sacred Heart and to be devoted daughters of our Blessed Mother.

To ensure the valid ordination of priests and true sacraments in the future, Bishop Alfred Mendez consecrated Father Kelly to the episcopacy on October 19, 1993. In 1996 Bishop Kelly established the Congregation of St. Pius V and Immaculate Heart Seminary in Round Top, NY, to provide for the spiritual needs of souls. He consecrated Bishop Joseph Santay on February 28, 2007, and co-consecrated Bishop James Carroll on December 27, 2018.

Throughout the years Bishop Kelly performed many other works as an expression of his charity and zeal. He published two books (Conspiracy Against God and Man and The Sacred and the Profane), as well as other writings, in order to defend and promote the true Catholic Faith. Since the education of Catholic youth was a work dear to his heart, he opened St. Pius V School in Wantagh, NY. Another work to which he was devoted was the care of the sick and dying. Both of these are carried on by the religious congregations he founded. He oversaw the construction of several buildings, including the Motherhouse and St. Joseph's Novitiate Chapel for the Sisters, Immaculate Heart Seminary, and St. Pius V School. Despite being ill for many years, he continued to assist and guide souls.

As a priest for over 50 years and a bishop for 30 years, Bishop Kelly labored and sacrificed himself tirelessly for others. He truly was a good shepherd to traditional Catholics throughout the country. He was courageous in doing whatever he could for the honor and glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Bishop Kelly is survived by his brother Patrick Kelly, his sister Claire (Kelly) Hayden, and numerous nieces and nephews, including one priest, a seminarian, and three religious Sisters.

To pray for and honor Bishop Kelly, there will be two wakes and Requiem Masses. The first wake will be held at St. Pius V School Chapel in Melville, NY, on December 5 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. on December 6. The Rosary will be prayed every hour. A Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass will be offered there on December 6 at 10:00 a.m. At Round Top, NY, a wake will be held on December 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with the Rosary prayed every hour. A Solemn High Requiem Mass will be offered in Round Top on December 7 at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment with military honors in St. Joseph's Novitiate Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements for Bishop Kelly are under the direction of The Dufresne and Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham, NY, Vincent J. Perniciaro, Funeral Director.

For further information please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.