Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos C.Ss.R.
January 11, 1819 - October 4, 1867
Father Seelos served here as Pastor of St. Mary's Parish in 1857 and during the Civil War years of 1862-1863. He helped found St. Mary's School in 1862. He was a popular preacher, a much sought-after confessor and, as Prefect of the senior students in 1862, a catechist whose methods were ahead of their time. When his seminarians at St. Mary's were made subject to the wartime draft, he interceded for them by meeting with President Abraham Lincoln - whom he called "Father Abraham."
He was assigned to New Orleans in 1866 and when yellow fever swept the city in the fall of 1867, he succumbed himself after making many sick calls. His last pastoral act was to visit another dying of the disease. Thousands mourned his death upon his burial in New Orleans, where his body rests today in his national shrine.
His kindness and zeal attracted many people to the sacraments. He was known for his joy and laughter, being called after his death, the "Cheerful Ascetic." Many miracles are attributed to his intercession, both during his life and after his death. His Holiness Pope John Paul II, proclaimed Father Seelos Blessed in St. Peter's Square on April 9th of the Solemn Jubilee Year 2000.
"Take your flight to prayer, go hand in hand with God, and all will go well." Bl. Seelos
Erected 2004 by St. Mary's Parishioners and Redemptorist Priests and Brothers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Disasters • Education.
Location. 38° 58.482′ N, 76° 29.273′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Duke of Gloucester Street and Newman Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Charles Carroll House North Porch (a few steps from this marker); The Charles Carroll House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Under the Title of the Immaculate Conception (within shouting distance of this marker); Sally Wern Comport's "Shaping a City" (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colonial Annapolis (about 800 feet away); This tablet (approx. 0.2 miles away); Maynard-Burgess House (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Annapolis.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 1,103 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on June 16, 2022, by Michael Rosenthal-English of Füssen, Germany. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.