Memorable Manitobans: Martin Kessler (1876-1954)

Cleric.

Born in France in 1876, he came to Canada in the year of his ordination as a Roman Catholic priest, 1903, and was appointed to St. Leon Roman Catholic Church, where he served for four years. He served at St. Alphonse Roman Catholic Church (1907-1912) then, on accounting of poor health, was sent to Europe. He spent two years at Rome then returned to Manitoba as assistant priest at the St. Boniface Cathedral for six months before taking over Ste. Amelie Roman Catholic Church where his efforts resulted in the erection of a new church building.

He served at St. Felix de Valois Roman Catholic Church (1921-1929) and St. Jean's Roman Catholic Church (1929) until his appointment as Chaplain at the Misericordia Hospital, holding the position for over 25 years. In November 1934, he was appointed Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg.

He died in the Misericordia Hospital, after a long illness, on 20 August 1954 and was buried in the St. Mary's Cemetery.

Sources:

“Winnipeg Archdiocese Vicar-General dies at 78,” Winnipeg Free Press, 21 August 1954.

“Vicar-General burial rites Wednesday,” Winnipeg Free Press, 23 August 1954, page 14.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 23 August 1954, page 20.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 3 July 2022

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

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