Monsignor Charles A. Kelly, Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia on July 2, 1942. He was the son of Charles A. Kelly, Sr. and Grace Elizabeth Beckett Kelly.
Msgr. Kelly attended Cathedral Elementary School in Richmond, VA and graduated from Benedictine High School in Richmond in June, 1960. He began his studies for the priesthood at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. In 1964, he was assigned to the North American College in Rome, Italy to complete his studies. On December 21, 1967, Msgr. Kelly was ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He received a Licentiate Degree in Sacred Theology from the North American College in June, 1968.
Msgr. Kelly began his ministry serving as Secretary to the Bishop and in the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal in July, 1968. He was appointed to serve as Vice-Chancellor for the diocese in June, 1969 and also served as an associate pastor at Sacred Heart parish from June, 1970 to July, 1971.
In July, 1971, Msgr. Kelly returned to the North American College for graduate studies. He joined the faculty of the North American College in September, 1972 and became its Vice-Rector in December, 1994.
In August, 1979, Msgr. Kelly returned to the United States and became the Pastor of St. Mary’s parish in Richmond. He became vicar for seminarians in May 1985 and two years later was named Campus Minisiter at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg. During his eight years at W&M, Father Kelly’s ministry among students flourished and, in 1995, on completion of his ministry, he was presented the annual Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medal.
In May 1995, Father Kelly returned to Richmond and was named Vicar for Priestly Formation and, in 1997, appointed Prelate of Honor with the title of Reverend Monsignor.
Msgr. Kelly used his abundant gifts of intellect, faith and understanding of the human condition to inspire individuals, congregations and classes to a deeper love of God.
Msgr. Kelly died on March 8, 2001 after a six-month fight with cancer.
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This information was from an article in the March 19, 2001 “Catholic Virginian” by Charles E. Mahon