Ocer Celebrates the Memorial of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
Monday, October 5, marked the Memorial of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, the Redemptorist missionary in whose honor the Ocer Chapel (plus a domitory) is named. At around 3 p.m., the school community gathered in the Chapel to celebrate the life and legacy of this giant of faith, whose example and intercession have been a source of immeasurable generosity to Ocer Campion Jesuit College.
A day before the memorial, Fr. Tony Wach, SJ, had communicated to some members of the school community, highlighting the significance of the memorial to Ocer. Excerpts from his communication were read during the Memorial Mass, which was celebrated by the Headteacher, Fr. Meyo Obwanda, SJ, and concelebrated by Fr. Kyaligonza Lawrence, SJ.
In his communication, Fr. Tony highlighted the need for the Ocerian community to pray in thanksgiving for the many blessings received through the intercession of Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos, for his canonization, which is still awaiting a miracle, and for Dr. and Mrs. David Zamierowski, the school's principal benefactors.
Dr. Dave and his wife, Mary, attribute their unexpected wealth—which they have generously shared with Ocer, the Jesuit Province of Eastern Africa, and numerous other good causes—to the intercession of Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos.
As an expression of gratitude to the Zamierowskis and in honor of Bl. Seelos, the Headteacher announced that Saturday Masses at the school will be offered for the school's benefactors.
A brief biography of Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos was also read during the celebration.
Born in Germany in the early 1800s, Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos was baptized Francis Xavier, after St. Francis Xavier, the great Jesuit missionary and patron of missionaries. He later joined the Redemptorist Order and travelled to the United States, where he served in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and New Orleans.
Bl. Seelos felt a strong calling to serve young people in need and sponsored many of them in their education. He also devoted himself to ministering to recent migrants to the United States, a ministry for which he faced persecution. He died in New Orleans at the age of 48 while ministering to victims of a plague.
The Ocerian community was also reminded that what makes Blessed Seelos particularly inspiring is that his holiness was expressed through ordinary service: teaching, preaching, listening, encouraging, caring and bringing joy to others. His life reminds us that we do not need to do extraordinary things to become saints; we can begin by doing ordinary things with love, generosity and faithfulness.
Providentially, the Mass coincided with the celebration of World Teachers’ Day. During the Mass, teachers were celebrated and thanked, and were encouraged to emulate the exemplary dedication of Bl. Seelos in their work.
Inspired by the example of Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos, the Ocerian community remains grateful to all those he has inspired, whose immense generosity has helped give life to Ocer Campion Jesuit College.
We say thank you and pray that God bless you abundantly.
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, pray for us.
