Art links New Jersey seminarian, Kenyan teen

Published: 2004-01-13

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (CNS) -- Struggling as a guitarist in a punk rock band some years ago, Kevin Patrick Kelly needed to find a way to cover the rent -- and fast. So he grabbed his art supplies and began to create paintings he could sell on the streets of New York City. For several years, the young graduate of the School of Visual Arts supported himself this way and by exhibiting his work in coffeehouses and other small venues. These days he finds that his art serves a far greater purpose than merely paying the bills. The artist is now a religious brother, a member of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, who is studying for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange. "My call to the priesthood is the same as my call to be an artist," explained Brother Kevin, who has lived with his religious community in Somerset for the last six years. "Both have to do with my desire to feed people the truth and help to illuminate the gift of life they've been given."

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