MARCELLUS, BROTHER (William Kelly -- Died May 6, 1935)
"Brother Marcellus, one of the oldest members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, died at St. Joseph's Infirmary, Notre Dame, May 6, fortified by the Holy Sacraments. He was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1860, of a pioneer family. During his student days at Sacred Heart College, he became acquainted with the Brothers who taught in the College and felt a call to their state of life. Responding to it, he received the habit at St. Joseph's Novitiate, Notre Dame, March 19, 1876.
"On the completion of his Novitiate he taught at St. Philomena's School, Cincinnati, his first mission. Brother Marcellus, spent close to 50 years in the classroom. Among other scenes of his labors was Notre Dame, where for a number of years he taught in the Prep. Department and was a prefect in Carroll Hall; later he taught at Fort Wayne, Indiana; at Holy Trinity, Chicago; at New Orleans, where he served as Director of Studies at Holy Cross College, and at St. Columbkille's School, Chicago where Bishop Hoban of Rockford was his pupil.
"Brother Marcellus served also for a term as assistant superior general to the venerable and saintly Father Français. For many years he was a prominent member of the Brotherhood, and was repeatedly elected by his brethren to the General Chapter of the Congregation. When Father Français organized, some 40 years ago, a House of Studies for our young Brothers at the University of Notre Dame, Brother Marcellus was its first superior. Since retiring from teaching he resided at the Community House, Notre Dame. Last year, surrounded by his brethren in religion, he celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his religious profession, which took place August 15, 1884."
-- Association of St. Joseph, July, 35 (1860-1935)
"Brother Marcellus, C.S.C., observed the Golden Jubilee of his religious profession at the Community House, Notre Dame, August 15, the feast of the Assumption. Mass was said for the venerable Jubilarian by the Rev. Thomas Irving, C.S.C., Superior, at which all the religious received Holy Communion for Brother's intentions. Later, a dinner was served in honor of the occasion.
"Brother Marcellus, C.S.C., is one of the oldest members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, being born at Watertown, Wisconsin, 1859. In his 'teens' he entered the Brotherhood. He was educated at Sacred Heart College, Watertown, and at Notre Dame. " For many years he taught in the school and colleges of the Congregation. He was superior of the House of Studies for the Brothers of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, organized by the late Superior General, Very Rev. Gilbert Français, in 1895. For some years he also served as one of the four Assistant's General. During recent years ill health obliged him to reside in the Community Infirmary. One of his former pupils is the Bishop of Rockford, Most Rev. Edward Hoban, D.D. We are sure we express the wishes of our readers in tender congratulations to Brother Marcellus on this notable occasion in his long and zealous career." Associate of St. Joseph, 4:4 (1934)
See also: "Associates of St. Joseph", July, 1935.