Catholic Church Mourns the Passing of Cardinal Kelvin Felix at 91

The Catholic Church is mourning the loss of His Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix, who passed away on May 30, 2024, at the age of 91 in Castries, St. Lucia.

Born on February 15, 1933, in Roseau, Dominica, Kelvin Edward Felix was ordained as a priest on April 8, 1956. He pursued further education, earning a Diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, a master's degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and completing post-graduate studies in Sociology at the University of Bradford in England.

Why this matters: The passing of Cardinal Kelvin Felix is a significant loss to the Catholic community and may have implications for the leadership and direction of the Church in the region. His legacy and contributions to the Church will be remembered and may influence the selection of future leaders.

Felix was consecrated Archbishop of Castries on October 5, 1981, and served 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. Metropolitan of the Province of Castries, Archbishop Felix oversaw 33 primary schools, two secondary schools, one girls' vocational school, two homes for the elderly, one shelter for the homeless, and an orphanage for young children.

Felix received several awards and honors, including an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from St. Francis Xavier University in 1986, an Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, the Dominica Award of Honour for Meritorious Service in 1999, and the Medal of Honour (Gold) of the Order of St. Lucia in 2002.

In 2006, Felix survived a knife attack at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries. To ensure a smooth transition in the Archdiocese, Bishop Robert Rivas was appointed Co-adjutor Archbishop in 2007. Pope Francis made Felix a cardinal on February 22, 2014, for his service to the church.

Cardinal Felix's contributions to the church and society will be remembered and cherished. His passing is a significant loss to the Catholic community and all who knew him. "May his soul rest in peace."

Key Takeaways

• Cardinal Kelvin Felix passed away on May 30, 2024, at 91.
• He was ordained as a priest in 1956 and served as Archbishop of Castries.
• Felix was a member of the Roman Curia and led various regional church organizations.
• He received several awards, including an Honorary Doctorate and the Order of the British Empire.
• Pope Francis made him a cardinal in 2014 for his service to the church.