Francis Xavier Seelos

Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R., (January 11, 1819 – October 4, 1867) was a German Redemptorist missionary, who worked in the United States, particularly in parishes serving immigrant communities on the American frontier. Near the end of his life, he travelled to New Orleans to minister to people affected by a yellow fever outbreak. He later contracted the disease and died from its complications.

Early life

Francis Seelos was born in Füssen in the Kingdom of Bavaria (present-day Germany) on January 11, 1819. He was one of 12 children born to Mang Seelos and Franziska Schwarzenbach. Francis was baptized that same day at St. Mang Church in Fussen. He battled sickness throughout his childhood. However, Seelos in 1825 was still able to enter primary school at age five in Füssen. He received his confirmation in 1828. He enjoyed playing priest with his friends and later became an altar server at the parish church.

American missions

1845 to 1850 In 1846, Neumann sent Seelos to serve at St. Vincent's Parish in Youngstown, Ohio. The next year, the Redemptorists assigned him as novice master at St. Philomena Parish in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served under the pastor John Neumann, who was also the superior of the Redemptorist community in Pittsburgh.

Seelos was later named superior, novice master for the Redemptorists and pastor of St. Philomena. Although born in Bavaria, he spoke English elegantly and fluently. Seelos was described as a man with a constant smile and a generous heart, especially towards the needy and the marginalized.

Later in 1865, the Redemptorists assigned him for a year at Mary's Parish in Detroit, Michigan. The Redemptorists in 1866 assigned him as pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in New Orleans, Louisiana. Due to the climate and the diseases in the area, Louisiana was considered a dangerous assignment in the order. While traveling by train to New Orleans, he began conversing with a sister of Notre Dame. She asked about his plans in the city; Seelos replied that he would contract yellow fever and die after a year there.

Veneration

Theologians approved Seelos's spiritual writings on May 8, 1912. His cause for canonization was formally opened, and he was granted the title Servant of God. Pope John Paul II beatified Seelos in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on April 9, 2000. Seelos is commemorated in the Martyrology on October 4th.

Legacy

National Shrine The National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos is located in St. Mary's Assumption Church in New Orleans. The shrine contains the official portrait of Seelos, used for his beatification, and photographs of him. It also has a reliquary that houses Seelos' remains. Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Church, Biloxi, Mississippi Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Church, New Orleans Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Church, Spanish Fort, Alabama