Professor Father Michael J. Kelly S.J.

Though we never met in person, I've corresponded with Father Kelly over the last five years and was always struck by his humility and kindness. Despite his outstanding achievements he never accepted praise without self deprecating and was quick to share credit with others. He will be missed by all and his memory will be kept alive in our museum in Dublin.

Breda Gahan, Concern Worldwide Posting here from Fr. Michael's own e-mail about his brother last year, - Paul Durcan and Joe Kelly - The poem about Joe One of Joe’s students during his years at St. Peter’s was a daughter of Mary Higgins Clark, the highly acclaimed US mystery novelist Mary and Joe became close friends and remained so for more than 40 years. Once, in a light-hearted moment, she dubbed him ‘Father Broadway’, a name that stayed with him. After his death in 2008 she dedicated to him one of her books, I’ll Walk Alone, with the words: Always a twinkle in this Jesuit’s eye // Always a smile on his handsome face //Always faith and compassion overflowing his soul // He was the stuff of which saints are made // When all heaven protested his absence // His Creator called him home. Exactly the same can be said about Fr. Michael. RIP. A great human being. A great teacher, educator, communicator, passionate about stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS, human rights and particularly the rights of women and girls. A kind man. A humorous man. Missed by many friends and colleagues in Ireland and Zambia. I will miss his e-mails, always inquisitive, cheerful and increasing my learning every time. From Dublin to Lusaka, Rest in Peace Fr. Michael. Breda G x x

Sorry, as ever weak in technology, I posted too quickly. Rauiri mentioned that he was sometimes jealous of how much women loved Michael. I was sometimes a little jealous of his brilliant mind. How can you be so eloquent and write so well, ask questions in such an insightful manner - even at 90? His intellect was a real gift, but it was not what drew people to love him. That was his warmth and love for others. He got people, especially young people. I remember one of his lectures at an AIDS Conference in Ethiopia. He followed four charismatic and brilliant African women. He asked us to sympathize - how could he possibly follow such wonderful women and then proceeded to electrify the room. When he came out of the lecture theatre, he was surrounded by young people who loved him so much. Michael, you truly were an inspiration to us all. The funeral Mass yesterday was wonderful and demonstrated what a hero you were. He was true to his Jesuit faith and to God. Fr. Peter Carroll’s homily explaining how Michael was faithful to the Apostolic preferences of the Jesuit order was so apt - his commitment to God, his love of people, his commitment to the poor, his love of the environment and his garden, his empathy and compassion for all those suffering. The choir was outstanding and the love that all the young Jesuit priests had for Michael was very evident. I would like to thank them and the Zambian people for adopting Michael and loving him so much. For us nieces, nephews, grand nephews, grand nieces, cousins and friends, some in Ireland some far flung throughout the world Michael’s death has brought us closer. He kept in touch with all of us, always interested, always supportive and loving - and as John said, always providing good perspective on the issues and challenges we faced. Michael had an extraordinary ability to keep in touch with so many people, he valued and loved people so much and we all felt his love as a constant presence in our lives. I will miss your smile, your sense of humour and your wisdom, but you have gone home to God and you will be welcomed there by Uncle Mick, Aunt Agnes and all the people who love you. I thank God for the gift of you. Anne

Michael was a true inspiration and a true friend. I was privileged to know you all my life. Some of the happiest days of my childhood were spent with you, Joe, Maureen, Robert and all the Kellys and my wonderful cousins and extended family. We remember Michael for his intellect, his wisdom, his commitment to justice, to education, to the fight against HIV/AIDS - but as a child growing up, I remember how much fun he was. His warmth, interest, great sense of humour and always how interested he was in all of us in the family. John and I remember driving with Joe and Michael from Tullamore to Coole in Joe’s fiat 500 and that day with my parents and all the family was the happiest day of my childhood. Rauiri mentioned being a little jealous

The death of my brother Jesuit, Michael Kelly, is a loss to his Irish family, the Society of Jesus, his fellow citizens in Zambia, and the poor and marginalised everywhere. I admired in equal measure his stunning achievements in public life and his warm, humble, and gracious personality. May he be united with the God he loved and served.

Occasionally in life, you come across exceptional human beings. Men and women who stand out from the crowd. Michael was one such person, not just for his academic brilliance but also for his goodness. He was compassionate, humble and kind and treated everyone with the same respect and dignity. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him, first in Zambia and then as one of the early members of the Dóchas HIV& AIDS working group in Ireland. The annual Fr Michael Kelly lecture was a diary date to keep, particularly when it gave you the opportunity to meet him in person. His lectures were always fresh, challenging and inspiring - he never lost his passion and he used his talents right to the end. A number of years ago, he delivered the Trócaire annual Lenten lecture on the female face of HIV. He used the opportunity to call out some uncomfortable truths about gender inequality in institutions and in society. At its heart was his belief that, and I quote, “AIDS or no AIDS, women and men are essentially equal”. It was a pleasure and a privilege to know Fr Michael, to benefit from his wisdom and to be in his company. My sincere condolences to his family, his Jesuit community, his friends and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace. Finola Finnan, Deputy CEO Trócaire

Michael was a great companion, inspirational and yet down to earth, had a great sense of humour, loved his garden and cared for all people especially those who lived the struggle, mentally, physically or morally. An exemplary missionary who loved the people he served and was communicating to the very end with the Mission office in Dublin news about companions in Zambia. He was surely a man for and with others. Pray for us Michael and for our world that you made a better place because of your presence and actions amongst us.

Ireland and the world need as many inspirational figures as possible when it comes to public, community, international and global health - particularly in this day and age. Hopefully his life and work will resonate for a long time to come and motivate the next generation of Irishmen and women to involve themselves in the selfless but vital tasks of epidemic responses in developing countries.