Brian Kelly

My name is Brian Kelly. I was born in 1975 and I come from Kildalkey in Co. Meath. I studied Biochemistry in NUI, Galway and later continued my studies in Queen’s University Belfast where I obtained a PhD in Biochemistry, graduating in 2002. After completing my studies, I worked for two years in the field of cancer research and technology in Belfast.

I have a keen interest in ecumenism, which lead me to Fisherwick Presbyterian Church in Belfast in 2004. I entered their internship pastoral volunteer program for 10 months, with two others interns, an Anglican and a Presbyterian.

I first was introduced to the Redemptorists through Michael McCloskey and SERVE. On completion of my internship in Fisherwick, I volunteered with SERVE in Brazil in the summer of 2005. From September 2005 until August 2006 I worked fulltime with the SERVE team, living in community with Redemptorists in the Redemptorists Parish of Cherry Orchard Dublin. It was during this time that I continued my discernment to religious life. I spent the months of July and August 2006 in Topology South Africa and Mozambique as part of a leadership team with SERVE working with 13 volunteers.

In September 2006 I joined the Redemptorists formation program in Dublin. I studied theology and philosophy for two years in Milltown Institute, Dublin.

I journeyed to Chicago for one year to take part in the Redemptorist International Novitiate Program, a year of spiritual discernment and I was professed into the Congregation on 30 August 2009.

I have returned to the Milltown Institute for further studies in theology.