“Oh, come without fear or trembling! I promise to receive you with all gentleness.”

Portrait of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos

Preacher, Miracle Worker, Friend

The heroic and miraculous religious life of the “Cheerful Ascetic” Redemptorist Father Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. (1819-1867) inspires legions of the clergy, religious, laity and specifically those seeking a miracle of healing throughout the world.

Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000, Fr. Seelos possessed great mystical gifts due to his life of intense prayer and penance. His innate kindness, understanding and dedication to the needs of the faithful from all walks of life makes him an outstanding model for those in religious life and laity alike. As a missionary preacher and lifelong friend of the poor and destitute, Seelos was a spiritual father to tens of thousands, giving counsel and hearing the confessions of all who came to him. Despite his untimely death at age 48, so profound was his apostolic zeal that sickness, persecution, and even the upheaval caused by civil war could not stop him.

Learn more about Bl. Seelos | Visit the Shrine

Praise & Thanksgiving

My daughter had surgery to remove her wisdom teeth which led to debilitating migraines and threatened to cost her job. I prayed to Blessed Seelos to take her pain away. The next morning she woke up feeling much better and was able to keep her job. I think this happened because of Blessed Seelos’ intervention.

My 44-year-old son had a heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery. I asked for intercession from Blessed Seelos and lit a candle at the Shrine. The operation was a success, and he made a complete recovery. He is back working full time!

My wife underwent gallbladder surgery. The surgeon nicked her colon and 24 hours later she was in severe sepsis. She was medically sedated for two weeks. During that period I pinned a relic of Fr. Seelos to my wife’s bedding and asked for his intercession. We were told that her survival was precarious. One week later, the doctor looked at her and declared “It’s a miracle.” I believe he was right.