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Professor Father Michael J. Kelly S.J.

May 20, 1929 - January 15, 2021

The administrator of this page is Megan Davis

A native of Tullamore, County Offaly, Professor Father Michael J Kelly SJ. was born in 1929. He studied at University College Dublin and was awarded a B.A. in Maths and Mathematical Physics in 1952, both with first class honours. He went on to receive a licentiate in philosophy in 1955. He then moved to Zambia and lived and worked there for over 50 years, becoming a Zambian citizen. He worked for many years as headmaster of Canislius College in Chiseki in Zambia. Father Michael completed his PhD studies in the area of child and educational psychology in 1974 and subsequently became a senior lecturer and Dean of the School of Education in the University of Zambia (UNZA), in 1975. He served as pro-vice chancellor and deputy vice chancellor and became professor in 1989. He is a renowned speaker and advocate on HIV and AIDS, and has worked tirelessly to educate and promote safe behaviour among youth and those most at risk in Zambia, throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and much further afield. He is also active in other policy areas, such as strategies for HIV prevention, and human rights. A prolific researcher and writer, Father Michael has authored 15 books, and many original research articles. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Father Michael has worked as a consultant to organisations such as the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, the FAO, UNAIDS, Oxfam, Irish Aid, and many more.

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2021-01-18 22:46:00 wrote:

Occasionally in life, you come across exceptional human beings. Men and women who stand out from the crowd. Michael was one such person, not just for his academic brilliance but also for his goodness. He was compassionate, humble and kind and treated everyone with the same respect and dignity. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him, first in Zambia and then as one of the early members of the Dóchas HIV& AIDS working group in Ireland. The annual Fr Michael Kelly lecture was a diary date to keep, particularly when it gave you the opportunity to meet him in person. His lectures were always fresh, challenging and inspiring - he never lost his passion and he used his talents right to the end. A number of years ago, he delivered the Trócaire annual Lenten lecture on the female face of HIV. He used the opportunity to call out some uncomfortable truths about gender inequality in institutions and in society. At its heart was his belief that, and I quote, “AIDS or no AIDS, women and men are essentially equal”. It was a pleasure and a privilege to know Fr Michael, to benefit from his wisdom and to be in his company. My sincere condolences to his family, his Jesuit community, his friends and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace. Finola Finnan, Deputy CEO Trócaire

2021-01-18 22:46:00 wrote: Occasionally in life, you come across exceptional human beings. Men and women who stand out from the crowd. Michael was one such person, not just for his academic brilliance but also for his goodness. He was compassionate, humble and kind and treated everyone with the same respect and dignity. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him, first in Zambia and then as one of the early members of the Dóchas HIV& AIDS working group in Ireland. The annual Fr Michael Kelly lecture was a diary date to keep, particularly when it gave you the opportunity to meet him in person. His lectures were always fresh, challenging and inspiring - he never lost his passion and he used his talents right to the end. A number of years ago, he delivered the Trócaire annual Lenten lecture on the female face of HIV. He used the opportunity to call out some uncomfortable truths about gender inequality in institutions and in society. At its heart was his belief that, and I quote, “AIDS or no AIDS, women and men are essentially equal”. It was a pleasure and a privilege to know Fr Michael, to benefit from his wisdom and to be in his company. My sincere condolences to his family, his Jesuit community, his friends and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace. Finola Finnan, Deputy CEO Trócaire

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