By Bro. Reegan Ledet, SDB
(Los Angeles, California) – Last time I wrote to you, my Salesian Family, I shared my experience at St. Joseph’s Oratory and St. André Bessette. Today, I want to introduce you to another significant figure in my life: Blessed Fr. Francis Xavier Seelos. A Redemptorist priest from the 1800s, he traveled across the United States for missionary work after immigrating from Germany. In his final years, he dedicated himself to caring for those afflicted with yellow fever in New Orleans, where he ultimately succumbed to the illness himself.
Why do I want to share about Fr. Seelos? He holds a special place in both my biological family and my spiritual journey, which is why I feel compelled to tell you about him, my Salesian Family.
From a young age, Blessed Seelos has been a cherished figure in my family, particularly since they hail from New Orleans. Known as the unofficial saint of the city, I remember my grandparents talking about “visiting Fr. Seelos” as if he were the parish priest down the street. At that time, I didn’t fully grasp that this “Fr. Seelos” was a 19th-century Redemptorist whose National Shrine is located across the river on the East Bank of New Orleans.
Upon joining the Salesians, my devotion to Fr. Seelos deepened. Initially, it was a way to honor my family, but over time, I came to see him as a profound influence on the formation of Redemptorist priests and brothers. I even embraced him as my own “Patron of Formation” within the Salesians.
Why share this with you, my family? In every family, group, or individual life, the saints are alive and well, praying for us and walking alongside us as friends—truly present, just as you and I are present to each other and as Jesus and Mary are present to us.
As Scripture reminds us in Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
I encourage you all to take some time to reflect on which saint has been most influential in your life or who has helped you draw closer to Jesus through Mary. For me, Fr. Seelos is not just a “beatified person in the Church”; he is a friend, a mentor, and family.
Editor’s Note: As we approach the celebration of All Saints Days, readers are invited to contribute your own stories of saints and blesseds whose lives have touched and inspired you on your journey to holiness. Send your reflection to Intouch@donboscowest.org.