Fr. Matthew Kelty

I haven't had time to post while he's been on my mind, but I learned last week from a friend who just made a retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani that one of my favorite priests has gone home. As long as he was able, Fr. Matthew Kelty brought his love for poetry to every evening's closing reflection, after Compline, with the retreatants. His gruff voice somehow made more tangible his gentle spirit, and he shared eloquently of a compassionate, loving God, whose mercy exceeds all bounds. As I shared with him my grappling over how to conform with my need to live honestly, he shared a tender insight with me in Reconciliation that forever changed how I view the balance of integrity and mercy in my life.

Rejoice in God for all eternity, Fr. Matthew, and pray for us.