Spiritual Resources

Blessed Francis Seelos (1819-1867), a German missionary priest from the Redemptorist order, is especially close to the Community of Blessed Francis Seelos Academy and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Father Seelos served the immigrant community in and around Pittsburgh from 1845 to 1854, including the town of Wexford. 

Seelos later died in New Orleans of yellow fever he caught while caring for victims of a yellow fever epidemic. Stories of miraculous healing through his intercession began almost immediately after his death and continue. One of the best known occurred in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of  Lawrenceville, where a dying toddler was reported healed of measles, meningitis and pneumonia in 1872, after his grandmother prayed in Saint Augustine Church for the intercession of Father Seelos. He was beatified in 2000
(adapted from diopitt.org).

Divine Physician,
You infused Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos with the gift of Your healing. By the help of his prayers, sustain in me the grace to know Your will and the strength to overcome my afflictions. For love of You, make me whole. May I learn from the example of Father Seelos and gain comfort from his patient endurance.
Amen.