Father Kieran Neilson, OSB
Belmont Abbey Monastery, Belmont
Place of Birth & Home Parish – Born in Charlotte, attended St. Peter Church until 1939; St. Patrick Cathedral after that during childhood High School – O’Donoghue High School, Charlotte College/University – Belmont Abbey College, Catholic University Seminary – Belmont Abbey Seminary Date of Ordination – May 26, 1960
What assignments have you had since ordination?
I was assigned to St. Benedict Parish and Benedictine High School in Richmond, Va., where I served for 23 years. For five years of that time, I also served as chaplain of the Veterans Administration Hospital. I have had various assignments at Belmont Abbey over the years and was most recently chaplain to the students of the college. Currently, I am custodian of the Eucharistic Chapel.
What have been some of the greatest joys for you as a priest?
To see young people, over whose life you had influence, mature to adulthood and manifest a strong appreciation of
their faith; to be able to officiate at weddings of former students and see the fruit of my priestly ministry
Who influenced you most to consider the vocation to priesthood?
My dad, Monsignor Arthur R. Freeman, Benedictine Father Maurice McDonnell, and of course the many wonderful Sisters of Mercy who taught me through grammar school and high school. Sister Mary Patrick Ryder, years after my mother died in 1945.
What was your background before you entered seminary?
I was a product of a Catholic education. I entered Belmont Abbey College after high school and continued on with my entry into the monastery on June 21, 1954.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
As outgoing as I am, I enjoy quiet time and silence. I love ice cream.
What are some of your hobbies?
Watching sporting events, riding my bicycle and walking – at my age this is about as much as I can do
What are some of your favorite books/spiritual reading/magazines?
The Rule of St. Benedict, “Introduction to the Devout Life” by Saint Francis de Sales; Sports Illustrated
Who is a hero to you?
Pope John Paul II and our current pope Benedict XVI – two truly heroic men; in the past, my father, who filled
the role of a wonderful daddy, whom I always admired.
What are some ways that we can help all people/families understand their roles in promoting and supporting vocations?
I think that we can encourage family prayer and frequently pray with the children for priests and religious and encourage them to respond to God if they think they are being called to the priestly or religious life.
What advice would you give a young man who is contemplating a vocation to the priesthood?
To seek sound spiritual direction,have a serious prayer life and if you are doubtful, try it in order to resolve
the doubt.
This article was original published by The Catholic News and Herald February 26, 2010. Used with permission.
Not knowing the monks very well at all, it is great to read little bits about men one knows have more depth than this article shows. Every little ‘bit’ is insiteful. The spirtual depth shows through.
This post was a side-column that was published in The News and Herald. It is not not very complete but thought it would be a nice addition to the site and showing a different side of the monks. Their official biographies can be seen posted on the monastic website: http://www.belmontabbey.org/abbey-monks.html
Thank you for posting the link to the brief bios of the monks. Very short and concise considering all they do for God and everyone whose lives they touch. Interesting to read.