Celebrating the life of
The Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Nelson
February 25, 1939 - August 28, 2016
SAVANNAH-Monsignor Francis John Nelson, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Savannah for just over 50 years died Sunday, August 28 at St. Joseph/Candler Hospital, Savannah. Most recently he was the former pastor at St. Frances Cabrini Church, Savannah, serving from April of 1987 until his retirement in June 2013.
Monsignor Nelson was born February 25, 1939 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He attended Saint John Neumann High School; Saint Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, Connecticut; Saint Mary’s Seminary University, Baltimore, Maryland earning an A.B and S.T.L.; and, Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. where he earned a J.C.L.
Monsignor Nelson was ordained a priest by Most Rev. Thomas J. McDonough, Bishop of Savannah for the Diocese of Savannah May 14, 1966 at Saint Monica's Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Monsignor Nelson held numerous parish assignments. They include serving as Assistant Pastor, Saint Joseph's, Macon, 1966 – 1968; Professor Of Religion, Mt. De Sales High School, Macon 1967 – 1968; Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart, Savannah 1968 -1969; Associate Pastor, Most Pure Heart Of Mary, Savannah 1969 – 1970; In residence, Sacred Heart, Savannah, June 1972 - August 1981, Weekend Associate, Nativity Of Our Lord, Savannah, Feb. 1979 -August 1981; Associate Pastor, Cathedral, Savannah, 8/1981 - 8/29/1984; Pastor, Our Lady Of Lourdes, Port Wentworth 8/30/84 - 8/23/89; Pastor, Saint Frances Cabrini, Savannah 8/24/89; until 2013.
Most notably during his time at Saint Frances Cabrini Church he spearheaded and worked doggedly to establish the Parish School, Saint Frances Cabrini School which opened the doors to its first student in 2000.
He was named as a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) by Pope John Paul II in April, 2003
His faithful service to the diocese included positions as Vice-Officialis, Diocesan Tribunal; 0fficialis, Diocesan Tribunal; Vice Chancellor Of Diocese of Savannah; Vicar Forane, Savannah Deanery, College Of Consultors, Vicar General Pro Tempore, Confirmed As Vicar General, Diocesan Judge, Interim Chancellor and as Promoter of Justice.
Services
Visitation will be held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Savannah Tuesday, August 30, 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. There will be a rosary service at 7:00p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Savannah.
In lieu of flowers – please send a donation in his memory to the Diocese of Savannah Priests’ Retirement Fund, 2170 East Victory Drive, Savannah GA 31404.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Monsignor Nelson presided over my confirmation 29 years ago when I converted to Catholicism through RCIA Program at St. Francis Cabrini. When he was Pastor there, his sermons always spoke to me. He was a genuine, warm, and caring man whom always greeted you with a smile and had time to talk to you. I am saddened to learn of his passing. The Army took me away from my beloved home of Savannah in 1996 but I have often thought of Monsignor Nelson and his wonderful teachings. Heaven has gained another angel. May you rest in peace and your family be comforted with the knowledge that you were well known and loved by the Catholic community in Savannah and beyond.
- Vonda Kaye Robb, Major, Army Nurse Corps, Killeen , TX
I know I'm nearly a year late, but I'm remembering parts of my childhood with my grandparents, Eddie and Bea Babineau. Fr Francis was their priest, and I have very fond memories of having lunch with the Prime Timers and celebrating Mass with him. You have my deepest and most sincere condolences on your loss. Fr. Francis was a kind, good-hearted man who was always happy to see me and talk with me, even as a very little girl.
- Elizabeth Norman, Englewood, CO
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Monsignor Nelson's family and friends at this sad time. He was such a special person and he will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him and loved him. May his memory be eternal. With our deepest sympathy, Irene and Toby Purdy
- Irene and Toby Purdy, Richmond Hill, GA
Much sympathy and prayers to the bereaved and those whose lives he touched for the holy comforter and peace on behalf of my parish the cathedral and my college mascot UGA journalism school. I met him when I converted over 35 years ago under the late Bishop Raymond Lessard, diocese of Savannah. I can see that he is sadly missed and he will always be cherished. He has gone on to heavenly home on the other side of the rainbow and the horizon. I am grateful he touched my life as a religious leader. I reflect on Ps. 23, and Ps. 90 for words of comfort and the Be-attitudes in Matthew's gospel.
- Cindy D. Postell-UGA, Savannah, GA
God Bless Him
- Lissa Coleman, Savannah, Ga,
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Diocese of Savannah, and my friends at St. Frances Cabrini parish and school. Msgr. Nelson was a holy, friendly man who cared so much about the children of our school. I was honored to work for him. May his soul rest in peace. "Well done, my good and faithful servant".
- Candy Boucher, Long Grove, Iowa
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this very difficult time (2Cor1:3,4) Jehovah's Witnesses -Pooler,Ga
- , ,
Monsignor, my family will always be eternally grateful to you for ministering to our mother while she was in St. Joseph's Hospital. You took care of her spiritual needs and gave her, her last rights. Thank you and may your soul rest in peace.
- Elaine T. Williams, Savannah, GA
Monsignor touched the lives of so many. He will be truly missed.
- The Laufenbergs, Savannah , Ga
Monsignor Nelson was a blessing to all. He was always there for us when we lost our Mother/wife and Brothers/Sons. His patience and warmth kept us strong at the time of our losses and without him and his guidance, I am not sure we would have gotten through those sad and hard times! It will be hard not knowing Msgr. will not be at St. Francis Cabrini Church but gives us comfort knowing he is not in pain and he is in the presence of all the angels and saints and our Lord Jesus Christ. May Msgr. Nelson Rest in Peace
- The Armfield Family, Savannah, GA
We will miss the wonderful stories told while enjoying a cup of coffee with Monsignor in the church office. And his beautiful voice shared from the Altar at Mass. And his kind and gentle nature. God Bless You, Monsignor.
- Harrison, Savannah, GA
Rest in peace, Monsignor Nelson. I'll miss our chats.
- Branden S. Hunter, MD, Savannah , GA
Rest in peace, Monsignor Nelson. I'll miss our chats.
- Branden S. Hunter, MD, Savannah , GA
My most sincere condolences to Msgr. Nelson's family and his parish family of St. Frances Cabrini where he faithfully served for so many years. May his soul rest in peace.
- Betsy McLeod, Maggie Valley, NC
Monsignor Nelson will well be missed by many. We loved to see him and talk to him. We pray for him and his family.
- Bernard @ Nancy Ann Bailey, Savannah, Ga
I have known Monsignor Nelson for many years and will miss him very much he was a very kind man he helped me and my family many times RIP Monsignor Antoinette Ford
- Mrs Antoinette Ford, Pooler, Ga
Monsignor Nelson was our Family Priest for 26 years we had many good times at St. Fr.Cabrini Church . RIP YOU will be missed by manny. The Boyden Family.
- Roswitha B. Boyden, Savannah, Ga
Monsignor Nelson was a wonderful priest. He celebrated my wife's funeral mass and spoke well of her. Joe Page
- , ,
Monsignor Nelson presided over my confirmation 29 years ago when I converted to Catholicism through RCIA Program at St. Francis Cabrini. When he was Pastor there, his sermons always spoke to me. He was a genuine, warm, and caring man whom always greeted you with a smile and had time to talk to you. I am saddened to learn of his passing. The Army took me away from my beloved home of Savannah in 1996 but I have often thought of Monsignor Nelson and his wonderful teachings. Heaven has gained another angel. May you rest in peace and your family be comforted with the knowledge that you were well known and loved by the Catholic community in Savannah and beyond.
- Vonda Kaye Robb, Major, Army Nurse Corps, Killeen , TX
I know I'm nearly a year late, but I'm remembering parts of my childhood with my grandparents, Eddie and Bea Babineau. Fr Francis was their priest, and I have very fond memories of having lunch with the Prime Timers and celebrating Mass with him. You have my deepest and most sincere condolences on your loss. Fr. Francis was a kind, good-hearted man who was always happy to see me and talk with me, even as a very little girl.
- Elizabeth Norman, Englewood, CO
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Monsignor Nelson's family and friends at this sad time. He was such a special person and he will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him and loved him. May his memory be eternal. With our deepest sympathy, Irene and Toby Purdy
- Irene and Toby Purdy, Richmond Hill, GA
Much sympathy and prayers to the bereaved and those whose lives he touched for the holy comforter and peace on behalf of my parish the cathedral and my college mascot UGA journalism school. I met him when I converted over 35 years ago under the late Bishop Raymond Lessard, diocese of Savannah. I can see that he is sadly missed and he will always be cherished. He has gone on to heavenly home on the other side of the rainbow and the horizon. I am grateful he touched my life as a religious leader. I reflect on Ps. 23, and Ps. 90 for words of comfort and the Be-attitudes in Matthew's gospel.
- Cindy D. Postell-UGA, Savannah, GA
God Bless Him
- Lissa Coleman, Savannah, Ga,
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Diocese of Savannah, and my friends at St. Frances Cabrini parish and school. Msgr. Nelson was a holy, friendly man who cared so much about the children of our school. I was honored to work for him. May his soul rest in peace. "Well done, my good and faithful servant".
- Candy Boucher, Long Grove, Iowa
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this very difficult time (2Cor1:3,4) Jehovah's Witnesses -Pooler,Ga
- , ,
Monsignor, my family will always be eternally grateful to you for ministering to our mother while she was in St. Joseph's Hospital. You took care of her spiritual needs and gave her, her last rights. Thank you and may your soul rest in peace.
- Elaine T. Williams, Savannah, GA
Monsignor touched the lives of so many. He will be truly missed.
- The Laufenbergs, Savannah , Ga
Monsignor Nelson was a blessing to all. He was always there for us when we lost our Mother/wife and Brothers/Sons. His patience and warmth kept us strong at the time of our losses and without him and his guidance, I am not sure we would have gotten through those sad and hard times! It will be hard not knowing Msgr. will not be at St. Francis Cabrini Church but gives us comfort knowing he is not in pain and he is in the presence of all the angels and saints and our Lord Jesus Christ. May Msgr. Nelson Rest in Peace
- The Armfield Family, Savannah, GA
We will miss the wonderful stories told while enjoying a cup of coffee with Monsignor in the church office. And his beautiful voice shared from the Altar at Mass. And his kind and gentle nature. God Bless You, Monsignor.
- Harrison, Savannah, GA
Rest in peace, Monsignor Nelson. I'll miss our chats.
- Branden S. Hunter, MD, Savannah , GA
Rest in peace, Monsignor Nelson. I'll miss our chats.
- Branden S. Hunter, MD, Savannah , GA
My most sincere condolences to Msgr. Nelson's family and his parish family of St. Frances Cabrini where he faithfully served for so many years. May his soul rest in peace.
- Betsy McLeod, Maggie Valley, NC
Monsignor Nelson will well be missed by many. We loved to see him and talk to him. We pray for him and his family.
- Bernard @ Nancy Ann Bailey, Savannah, Ga
I have known Monsignor Nelson for many years and will miss him very much he was a very kind man he helped me and my family many times RIP Monsignor Antoinette Ford
- Mrs Antoinette Ford, Pooler, Ga
Monsignor Nelson was our Family Priest for 26 years we had many good times at St. Fr.Cabrini Church . RIP YOU will be missed by manny. The Boyden Family.
- Roswitha B. Boyden, Savannah, Ga
Monsignor Nelson was a wonderful priest. He celebrated my wife's funeral mass and spoke well of her. Joe Page
- , ,
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
