Dominican-born retired archbishop of the archdiocese of Castries, Kelvin Felix, has been named a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.
The announcement was made by Pope Francis at the Vatican on Sunday.
In making the announcement, the pope said the new Cardinals “represent the deep ecclesiastical relationship between the Church of Rome and the other Churches throughout the world.”
Felix is among 19 Catholic prelates from around the world who were elevated to the office by the pope.
A Vatican spokesman said on Sunday that the pope’s decision to select men from some of the world’s poorest nations reflect’s Francis’ attention to the destitute as a central mission of the Church.
Usually called “princes of the Church,” Cardinals are senior officials who make up the College of Cardinals, whose primary responsibility is to elect a new pope at the appropriate time.
However, they just don’t hang around until the pope dies or abdicates office. They are normally given many high ranking responsibilities in the Vatican ranging from heading commissions and congregations to leading archdioceses around the globe, among others.
Since he is over 80, Felix will be among three of the named Cardinals who will not be eligible to vote for a new pope.
Kelvin Felix was born in Dominica on February 15, 1933.
He was ordained a priest on April 8, 1956 at the age of 23.
On July 17, 1981 he was appointed archbishop of Castries and ordained archbishop on April 5, 1981.
He retired on February 15, 2008.
Felix has a long career in the Catholic Church.
He was named Principal of the Roman Catholic High School, St. Mary’s Academy in Dominica, from 1972–1975 and Associate General Secretary of the Caribbean Conference of Churches from 1975–1981. He served as President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference from 1991–1997 and President of the Caribbean Conference of Churches from 1981–1986.
As archbishop, he oversaw the dioceses of Castries in St. Lucia, St. George’s in Grenada, Roseau in Dominica and St. John’s-Basseterre in Antigua and St. Kitts.
He has also served on various Vatican committees, including the Pontifical Council for Family Life, the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, and the Synodal Council for America.
Archbishop Felix was attacked and grabbed on the neck by a man with a knife, immediately after he finished an evening sermon at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries in April 2006. He was not seriously injured.
Since his retirement as archbishop, Felix moved back to Dominica where he has been helping out in various parishes.
The ceremony to officially install him as a Cardinal will be held at the Vatican on February 22.
Filex should have a wife and kids than he would be proud of his accomplishments and they say good job daddy..but this sad religion make men burn in their heart ,saying “Boy I wish I wish I could ” so sad
Congratulations Bishop…Pope Francis is a fresh change for the Church…proud to be Catholic.
Some of you only look and see one-sidedly. Those of you who make such statements, must be careful not to undermine the specifically two previous Popes, Pope (Blessed) John Paul II and Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI. Both served the Catholic Church as Leaders in godliness and excellently in their own way, ensuring that the unchangeable Doctrines/Dogmas of the Catholic Church as God has ordained until the end of time remain intact in this Church including “its religious teaching.” These holy Popes have done their utmost. As a faithful practicing Catholic, I have no criticism of them and no reason to criticize them as I welcomed our Holy Father, Pope Francis I.
Our new Pope Francis whom The Blessed Trinity has chosen to Head His One and Only Holy Catholic and Apostolic Faith/Church on earth and who is loved by all even by some non-Catholics, no exception by some agnostics and atheists (I hope all of them) due to his outgoing loving, humble mannerism and propagation of love, generosity and compassion to all, possesses his specific individual personality and characteristic traits. This is his style and his mission endowed to him by The Blessed Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Therefore, please give our previous Popes due compliment and respect; likewise our present Pope Francis I. None should be compared to the other.
Those who claim to be baptized Catholics and practicing ones, ensure that you believe all what the Holy Catholic Church believe and teach. Otherwise, you are not faithful Catholics. Know that Catholics cannot pick and choose what they want to believe and reject what they state they do not believe and do not agree with, according to their mentality and as influenced by others whom they associate and interact with who are not of the faith.
First and foremost, we are Catholic Christians and are obligated to believe what our Church has taught from bygone years to today and must until the end of time.
Catholics who have gone before us from bygone years, some canonized by the Church due to their unfailing love for God, no matter what befell them and whatever obstacles, believing and practicing the Faith as taught and persevering to the end did not become saints and called as such without reason as God Himself saw and knew too well. God chose them as examples and models for us to emulate to the end of our lives if we hope to obtain eternal salvation and enter Heaven immediately. This should be our primary goal.
Our Catholic faith is to be lived, practiced and to evangelize as we stand up and defend it and pass it on; not water it down and be shy and ashamed of it and criticize it. This is our Catholic Christian obligation and a sign that we are genuinely faithful Catholics.
Keep in mind what St. Paul said as contained in Holy Scripture, “God’s Kingdom is not made of talk but of power.”
A segment of the Divine Praises which all Catholics should know: Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed be his most precious blood. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete… May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and loved in all the tabernacles of the world even until the end of time. Amen!
God bless all! His peace to all!
so he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness and i saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast full of names of blasphemy havin seven heads and ten horns and the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet coloured and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls havin a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication and upon her forhead a name was written mystery babylon the great the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth and i saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the matyrs of jesus and when i saw her i wondered with great amazement
Wonderful….for you and for the Church….Pope Francis is a fresh change for the Church…Congratulations Archbishop Felix….we are proud Catholics..
Congrats soon he might be pope Felix u never now
Please help me understand this,Why is it news when someone becomes a priest, or get promoted in the ranks of the Catholic Church?
I am proud of the gentleman for progressing in his chosen line of business but I don’t see it being broadcast as news when someone from another religion hits a milestone, is it that Dominica is for the most parts a Catholic country? just asking.
Dno, Was he ordained before he was appointed? I believe that you have made a mistake with the year or months.
Congratulations to you and your extended family. You make me feel proud to be Dominican. I will share this good news with my colleges and friends. All the best in your new role.
babylon is fallen is fallen
It would be remiss of me not to say congratulations and ask for GOD to continue to inspire you. I’m sure my late dad is smiling beyond the clouds at this moment. This man Kelvin is such a humble treasure, even though I am Rastafarian I can’t but pay homage to you. You deserve every accolade and bouquet which I know you will accept with humility and piousness. What a gentle soul! May GOD continue to guide you and bless you.
To all Dominicans just keep on striving. Congratulation to father Felix.
Congratulations your Grace, you were well respected in St. Lucia and in the region, you anointed me at my first communion and also at my confirmation. A Proud moment for Dominica, St. Lucia and the region… God Bless You!
Well said.you have also spoken for me as a poto catholic myself haling from London England.
congrats Cardinal Felix.. May God Continue to bless and protect you
Pope’s decision to select men from some of the world’s poorest nations, but i thought Dominica was doing well under skerro.
“We are not Poor!” Famous quote from our Ambassador to the UN Mr. Vince Henderson.
again politics…………………….
It has not yet reached or surpassed the U.S., Canada and European countries of all and is far behind them. D/ca still has a long way to go, waiting for your assistance to make Dominica a better, happier, economical and progressive country. As a national, will you do your part to help it achieve this?
Yes I,Cardinal Kelvin Felix,congrats,you have come a long way,and in your quest to do the work you choose,you sure not going to rub the good side of all,but iam sure you have rub the good side of plenty more than not.
I remember you at SMA after the Christian Brothers were running SMA like they wanted, until “we knew what happened then”.You brought back stability and confidence in the students,you was the captain who brought back the ship on course.I remember your passion in a conservation with me on the importance of discipline and being an example to others looking up to you,when you are an influence as a popular student.You did what you did for the LORD in your way,and where you are today,is Testement of DEVOTION;
Respect my MAN;Class of 74;
I thought he was from Morne Jaune
Yes he is from Morne Jaune
I hope and pray that Morne Jaune is in Dominica, and not separate from Dominica.
Congratulations Father Felix. I recall Father Felix, already an Arch Bishop saying; whenever he hears someone calls him Father Felix, he knows they are from Dominica. A kind of endearment.
Now he is a Cardinal! One from Dominica! how awesome. Someone I know very well as a priest is now a Cardinal. I feel real good being Dominican. May God continue to Bless You Father Felix.
Good news, good news for Dominica. Congratulations Cardinal Felix!
Congratulations to Father Felix on this recent appointment. May God continue to bless him as he travels his journey on this earth.
Congratulation Archbishop Felix as you prepare for installation as Cardinal. May God richly bless you and grant you long life to enjoy your new office
No use to me at all. I don’t treat these guys any different from anybody else. Kelvin had not been the most popular Religous figure in St Lucia at all. There is alot of accusation of corruption under his diocesan control. ce pa moi qui dir. The family control ,excommunication of priests who stood u against control and corruption.
Well I have no buisness in meddling in church cause I refuse to congregate and pretend in this foolishness of religion. I ave no qualms about talking about abuse of power and corruption whether in religion, politics or otherwise
Why did you submit this post, then? You bloddy hypocrite.
FRENZ, if you have nothing good to say, just shut you stupid mouth! Foreigners in high profile positions are never popular in St.Lucia. His lack of popularity in St.Lucia had nothing to do with his ability or character, but more a reflection of the selfish and disrespectful attitude of certain elements of the St.Lucian society. If you are a St.Lucian, you know that.
This is the best thing you can do, to stay out of the Catholic Church’s business and mind your own business. God knows you have much to mind.
I suppose you have no qualms about going to Hell, to suffer in Satan’s cauldron of everlasting fire. If you continue with this attitude, this is where you will end up to your eternal detriment.
For your own good and eternal salvation, may God strike you down as He did Saul, turned Paul – St. Paul and enlighten you to become a fervent Christian.
At this time, as Our Lord said to Saul, He will ask you “…why are you persecuting Me – My Church?”
I know he is a Dominican it is a shameful thing to say what village he’s from I think it is important to know congratulations are in order Mr Felix
Do not worry about them. It does not matter where he was born and lived as a young child. If you made a research you will find out that the majority of D/cans who reside in Roseau, their parents were from a village and some of their children were born there. As an after thought, they migrated to Roseau.
I am certain he did not forget his roots and family from that area. Those who knew them from that area as young children are proud of him. He made them proud.
I knew him and his family residing in Roseau. Later his father went to St. Lucia. He has since passed on. As I was told his mother died when they were young children.
Note that he returned to D/ca after his priestly studies and was ordained as a priest at the Roseau Cathedral. It is my feeling, no doubt, that Dominica will always be his home and at heart, wherever he may reside in the future.
The Felix’s are D/cans at heart. I speak to one of his sisters who resides in Ontario. When we speak, some of our conversations are about Dominica.
His brother and his wife reside in Ontario, not far from where I reside. Occasionally I see him. The last time I saw him was at a store in the vicinity.
They are obviously proud of their brother’s appointment as Cardinal. In fact, his sister excitedly telephoned me on Sunday to give me the good news. She asked: “Did you go on DNO?” I told her no, that I went to Church and am going out later. I always inform her about DNO and occurrences in Dominica. She will ask me too.
Last evening, Sunday, a close family friend who is also close to the Felix’s and who hold them dear to her heart, telephoned me from overseas where she resides – not in Dominica. She, too, was excited about the good news. She could not contain herself. Such was her happiness for him. They knew each other as children and friends and continue to keep in touch.
The last time Archbishop Felix visited Ontario, he celebrated a Holy Mass in his honor for his retirement at a Church his brother attends. Many of us D/cans attended this Mass. We hope, as Cardinal, he will visit sometime.
My family and I are all happy for Archbishop Felix and offer our congratulations and best wishes to him.
So!justice & truth you are now, simply the truth Were you on vacation.
He could have never been that had he remained in Dominica. Not that I care about that Religion. No rent, no utility bills, free transportation, free food etc. What a profession! Santa Maria Oh….
What type of person are you? You fix it, your life and your wicked words. God is not pleased with you whatsoever. He has taken note of your evil words.
If you go to another church, how do they pay their utility bills, free transportation, free food, etc?
If you mean Mother Mary, The Mother of God, The Ever Blessed Virgin Mary, leave her out of that. She has told a visionary that God condemns people to Hell for blaspheming her. Why? Because she is the Mother of God. God had a mission for her, for the world when He chose her among all women to bear His Blessed Son. It was not without reason.
Those of you who doubt that and allow yourselves to be swayed by the deceit of the noon-day devil and be influenced, to renounce your Catholic Faith to join other others, will live to regret it to eternity for you are also persecutors of this Church which Our Lord Jesus Christ established on earth. Mark my words.
It had to be one woman! two women could not have born one child. Remember also, (i am educating you for free)that the scriptures says that “Mary found grace in the sight of God.” Do you know what grace means? I won’t educate you further.
Congratulations. You were too good for Dominica and Dominicans. While they shunned your leadership and example and the government never invited you to any events because you criticise them, all the hypocrites are now coming out to congratulate you! Judas, Dominicans are Judas! Dominicans wanted Barabbas instead and they got their Barabbas! Godspeed Cardinal Felix, get out of that God forsaken country and shake the dust off your sandals as you leave Dominica!
are you an atheist or something…you seem to harbor alot of ill will for catholics and our whole country,lose some of that childish stinking attitude that makes you look cavemanish on a webpage.idiot
Go check your pressure and come back. You sound very angry.
congratulation cardinal Felix you have made us proud
What about Fr. LaFleur? He aint coming back again. Is he no longer a priest? Onelove wants answers!
Congratulations, Fr. Felix!!! Dominicans, including the parishioners of St. Mark (Soufriere, Scott’s Head and Gallion) are poud of you. You have done, and are still doing a good job in the parish. The good thing about this is you do not beg anyone for money. You encourage people to do good work by your example. The church grounds and cemetry are always clean. The church grounds, close to the grotto is a great place to meditate while taking in the beauty of God’s marvellous work – the clear, blue Caribbean Sea and the Scott’s Head point. How great are your works God!! Fr. Felix, you’re a great man – humble,dignified and God-fearing. You’re a REAL priest. Continue to shine your light wherever you go.
Glory! Proud to be Dominican!
Congrats Cardinal Felix. Men of God like you makes me so proud to be a RC Christian and by extension a Dominican
Enlighten me please, Reporter; What is Roman Catholic Christian?
A Roman Catholic Christian is a member of the Roman Catholic church who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or whose belief is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Keep your ignorance for yourself or educate yourself, this is 2014.
i im so proud of ………………….no way because he and sam are like sand and sea in 2009””uwp says change must come…..is this news????/ am a non catholic.
Typical workers supporter. Full of hate and negativity. Even while we celebrate the acheivements of a deserving Dominican some idiot had to come here and spew out such garbage. No wonder the party you represent will continue to languish on the opposition benches for many years to come!
So what?
he does be by skerro home in viellecase chupesssssssssssssssssssssssssss
vote uwp
dno you dont have news man
stop making a fool of our party i support the party and NOT your comment
jackass. Skerro is a Catholic
What a STUPID AND ILLITERATE remark!!!
De pope need to shake his gown on your ignorance. Educate yourself Jack-A
Congratulations to Cardinal a Kelvin Felix
Two years ago, whilst on holiday in Dominica from London, I visited Rodneys Wellness Retreat where I noticed a solitary man sitting at a table. I was struck by the aura of serenity and spirituality he exuded.
I was introduced to the man and learnt that he was Archbishop Kelvin Felix. I was not surprised that he was a man of God!
Cardinal Felix congratulations on your elevation to Cardinal and may God continue to guide you on your journey.
On July 17, 1981 he was appointed archbishop of Castries and ordained archbishop on April 5, 1981.
WHICH CAME FIRST? CHICKEN OR EGG?
Congratulations “Cardinal” . As my former principal and form master I wish you all the best , you have excelled through your humility and dedication, my mother would be proud of you. GOD bless.
Congratulation Cardinal Felix great news for the elvation of a Dominican may God continues to bless you with wisdom and keep up the good faith. I happy for you.
Wow! This is a tremendous achievement for the Catholic community in Dominica. congratulations to Archbishop Felix. Is he the first cardinal from the English-speaking Caribbean?
Congrats to dominica and our people god bless father Felix.
DNO, Admin or Reporter
Your story could have been made more clear by indicating the Archbishop Felix appointment is as Cardinal emeritus and this was in recognition for his service to the church. Also because of his age (over 80yrs), he will not be able to participate in the election of the next Pope
o……k!! and?
The reading public will be more informed going forward. This was not to say that congratulations were not in order for the Cardinal elect. An effort must be made to give all the available information.
What’s your point?
Here are we Dominicans exalting a man above God; the one he/they “worships.” Smh. I mean no ill feelings to Mr. Felix, congratulations on your achievements. But a word to the public, God is who has put him in that position; therefore we should praise God and not man.
What is your point really.!
Commentor! You should always remember: Our talents are our gift from God. What we do with them, is our gift to God. A man or woman who puts the talents given by God to such great use is worthy of praise and emulation indeed!
Your entire head is in the sand. This is your warped opinion. We are not exalting him above God. God is pleased that he is exalted to Cardinal and that we are rightfully congratulating him for his achievement which he deserves.
When people congratulate you for whatever, are they placing you above God? Get some sense into that head of yours.
Congratulations on your appointment Cardinal Felix and may the precious blood of Jesus Christ continue to cover you from the crown of your head to the sole of your heels and may you continue to do so much good for Dominica. And may the good lord continue to guide, protect and direct you.
“Congratulations” are in order to a son of the soil (Dominica). I know that everyone from my generation knows “Father Felix”. Once again Congrats to him. In addition, I must say to all persons who commented A great big thanks for keeping their comments civil to congratulate the man, I am impress.
Congratulations to you Archbishop Felix on your elevation to Cardinal.May God contunue to bless you with long life and good health to be a beacon of lightb to guide his church and people in a troubled world.You surely make all Dominicans proud and we are happy for you.
Waaaaw!! Awesome stuff!! Congratulations father!! He is indeed a great and extremely humble man. well done!!!
Fabulous news. Congratulations cardinal Felix.
Once more a son of our soil has been elevated to a
prestigious position in the world. Great for Dominica. We are so proud of you “father Felix” as we lovingly have called you for so many years.
Congrats
Wow!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations father. Who knows Dominica may just produce a Pope in the not too distance future
Wowwww. Congratulations to Son of our soil Cardinal Felix.
Yayyyy a Caribbean Cardinal!
Well deserved, such a humble, unassuming and remarkable man.
Congratulations Archbishop/Cardinal Felix. May the Father continue to bless you abundantly and keep you in the palm of His hand.
congratulations fa felix If I can afford it I will make an apperance
First time ever! What an honour! Wow I am proud of archbishop Felix soon to be Cardinal Felix. So Dominica will soon be part of those electing the pope. Go Cardinal Felix, you have placed your country on the map of Rome. We will pray that God continues to guide you and that he will continue to give you life and strength. Praise be to God!
I am happy for him , Dominica is on the map again thank god
Keep up the good wook
Congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop of Castries Cardinal Kelvin Felix on his recent appointment as Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.
As a small country, we have produced a large number of world class resourceful people, but we have not been able find the right leadership for our own development. Let’s keep trying.
Indeed, Pedro!
From childhood, I’ve always known ‘Father Felix’ to be a man of great devotion, decorum and leadership. He has served his calling with such distinction it is most fitting that he has been elevated to this privileged position.
He joins other favored sons of the land: Bishop Bowers who served in Ghana and Rev. Phillip Potter who led the World Council of Churches. Cardinal Felix likewise brings high honour, not only the religious in Dominica, but also to the entire population.
His appointment is a reminder to us all that when we seek that special anointing from above, nothing can prevent what God has in store for us. The Dominican family prays God’s richest blessing upon Cardinal Felix, knowing that College of Cardinals can only enhanced by his presence.
Ask St Lucian’s about him before canonizing him papa
Who cares????? Dominicans were happy and are now even happier to have our beloved Father Felix back home where he belongs. It was their loss!
God bless you oh humble servant, Father Felix!
I have met some St. Lucians and not once have I heard them say anything derogatory about him. Whatever he did, he did it for the honor and glory of God, for The Catholic Church and for the preservation of the Deposit of Faith.
Congrats to Father Felix who continues to inspire his congregation with his humility. Give God the glory
Congratulations Sir.
Congratulations are in order for this Dominican Brother,Continue serving in faith.