Cardinal Kelvin Felix, Former Archbishop of Castries, Dies at 91

Cardinal Kelvin Felix, the 91-year-old former Archbishop of Castries, passed away peacefully at his home in St. Lucia on June 1, 2024. Felix served the Catholic Church in the Caribbean for over 60 years, leaving behind a legacy of profound service to the people of St. Lucia and the region.

Born on February 15, 1933, in Roseau, Dominica, Felix was ordained a priest on April 8, 1956. He pursued his studies at seminaries in Dominica and Trinidad and received diplomas and degrees from St. Francis Xavier University, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Bradford.

Why this matters: Cardinal Kelvin Felix's passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church in the Caribbean, leaving a significant impact on the region's religious community. His legacy will continue to shape the Church's efforts in education, social justice, and spiritual guidance, influencing the lives of many in the years to come.

Felix led the Archdiocese of Castries in St. Lucia from 1981 until his retirement in 2008. During his tenure, he oversaw the establishment and management of numerous schools and social programs within the Archdiocese. In recognition of his service, Pope Francis named him a Cardinal in 2014.

St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, extended his sincerest condolences to Cardinal Felix's family, the Clergy, and the Church. Pierre fondly remembered Felix's spiritual guidance and social consciousness, which touched many people's lives. "On behalf of the Government and the People of Saint Lucia, I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to his family, the Clergy and the Church," he stated.

Pope Francis also expressed his condolences, sending a telegram to Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries. The Pope recalled Felix's many years of dedicated episcopal ministry in St. Lucia, particularly his efforts in promoting the education of young people and his contribution to the Church throughout the Caribbean.

Felix's contributions extended beyond his archdiocese. He served in the capacity of President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference from 1991 to 1997 and the Caribbean Conference of Churches from 1981 to 1986. He was also a member of the Roman Curia and participated in various Pontifical Councils.

In his later years, Felix moved to the Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady of the Assumption on St. Lucia in 2023 to receive medical care for health problems. He continued to assist the local Church and remained devoted to prayer.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica also extended his deepest condolences, praising Felix's exceptional service to the church and the faithful over half a century. "We will remember him now for his long service and invaluable contribution to the Catholic Church in Dominica and the region. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Skerrit said.

Cardinal Felix's funeral will be held at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Castries, on June 12, and he will be buried on the grounds of the cathedral of Dominica, as per his wish.

Cardinal Kelvin Felix's passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church in the Caribbean. His dedication to education, social justice, and spiritual guidance will be remembered and cherished by the countless lives he touched.

Key Takeaways

• Cardinal Kelvin Felix, 91, passed away on June 1, 2024, at his home in St. Lucia.
• Felix served the Catholic Church in the Caribbean for over 60 years.
• He was Archbishop of Castries from 1981 to 2008 and established many schools and social programs.
• Pope Francis named him a Cardinal in 2014, recognizing his dedicated service.
• Felix's funeral will be held on June 12, and he will be buried in Dominica, as per his wish.