Blessed Seelos has inspired generations of Redemptorists to preach of God’s love and compassion, both in word and in deed. He immigrated from Bavaria to the United States and was ordained a priest in 1844. He served in parish ministry throughout the Northeastern states, as well as in the formation of future Redemptorists.
A generous confrere with a ready smile, he was well known as an expert confessor, preacher and spiritual director. He was assigned as pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in New Orleans in 1866. By September of that year he was exhausted from visiting and caring for victims of yellow fever.