(08 Sep 2009)
The Redemptorist community in Ireland celebrated the First Profession of its newest member on Sunday 30 August.
34-year-old Brian Kelly, who holds a PhD in biochemistry from Queen’s University Belfast, professed his vows at the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Redemptorist’s Marianella Centre, Rathgar, Dublin, at 11am Mass.
Originally from Co Meath, Bro Brian is the youngest of four. His parents and family watched on as he made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the Redemptorist Provincial, Fr Michael Kelleher, CSsR.
Welcoming Bro Brian into the Redemptorist community, Fr Kelleher described the profession as a “hope-filled act” in an Ireland which “certainly needs hope”. He said, “In these difficult times for our country, we as a people need hope” and he underlined that today’s profession was “a statement of confidence in our Church and our world and God’s plan for it”. Fr Kelleher added that the “making of promises, the taking of vows, gives hope” and was “something worth celebrating”.
Bro Brian Kelly has taken his vows for three years after which they will be renewed for two more years, before leading to Final Profession.
Representatives from Redemptorist communities in Limerick, Cork, Belfast, Dundalk and Co Galway also attended the ceremony. These included Fr Gerry O’Connor, CSsR, Co-ordinator of SERVE, the Redemptorist youth programme of which Bro Brian Kelly has been a member for a number of years.
Bro Brian’s profession on Sunday follows the Final Profession of three other young Irish Redemptorists in March of this year. They will be ordained on 6 December in Dundalk.
Commenting on the occasion Fr Dan Baragry, CSsR, Director of Formation, said “This is a very joyful occasion for all Irish Redemptorist and those who work with us. We are delighted to welcome Brian into our Community and pray that he will find fulfilment and happiness with us as he continues his discernment with us in the years ahead.” 
“The fact that Brian and 3 other young Irish men have professed their commitment as Redemptorists in recent months and that over 30 candidates for the diocesan priesthood are about to begin their studies in Maynooth, despite the difficulties, pain and shame being experienced by the Irish Church at present, is a sign of hope and encouragement for the future.”
Speaking after the ceremony, Bro Brian Kelly described a vocation to religious life as just one of many vocations in the Church. “We all have a vocation and within the faith community we need to be asking what is my calling. For me, today is a very special and joy-filled day surrounded by my family, friends and fellow Redemptorists as I join the congregation.”