Monsignor Martin Feild ’51 Named 2019 Kelley Medal Recipient
Monsignor Martin Feild ’51 has been selected as the 2019 recipient of the Rev. Joseph M. Kelley Medal – the highest form of recognition given to a Loyola Blakefield alumnus. After 20 years as pastor of St. Joseph and 56 years in active ministry as a priest, Monsignor Feild retired in the summer of 2015. He currently resides at Mercy Ridge Retirement Community in Timonium. Looking back at his many years in the priesthood, Monsignor said he has enjoyed every moment of his service. He found happiness in the priesthood, and tried to share that happiness with others.
Monsignor Feild grew up in St. Mark Parish in Catonsville as the eighth of 11 brothers and sisters. Impressed by the priests of St. Mark and the School Sisters of Notre Dame who taught him, Monsignor thought of becoming a priest at an early age. After graduating from Loyola High School, he entered St. Charles College, a former minor seminary in Catonsville. He later studied at St. Mary’s Seminary on Paca Street in Baltimore and St. Mary’s Seminary in Roland Park.
Ordained in 1959 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, Monsignor Feild served as associate pastor of St. Joseph in Cockeysville from 1959 to 1969. He then was the associate pastor of St. Clement I in Lansdowne from 1969 to 1975 before being named pastor of St. Peter the Apostle in Oakland.
After 20 years in Garrett County, Monsignor Feild moved to Taneytown in 1995 as pastor of St. Joseph, a position he held until his retirement. Some of the testimonials below are from residents of Taneytown that hold Monsignor Feild in the highest regard.
After 20 years in Garrett County, Monsignor Feild moved to Taneytown in 1995 as pastor of St. Joseph, a position he held until his retirement. Some of the testimonials below are from residents of Taneytown that hold Monsignor Feild in the highest regard.
“He is truly a beacon and inspiration for his brother Dons. He is the most selfless person I have ever known." – Stephen Marsalek ’64
“Monsignor’s imprint of his time in Taneytown is left in the hearts of the people; of young and old.” – Nancy McCormick, Economic Development and Community Director for the City of Taneytown
“During his time in Taneytown, he was a leader in the ministerial community and had a special place in his heart for those who were down and out, regardless of religious affiliation.”– James McCarron, Mayor of Taneytown
“Standing at about 6’4”, Monsignor Feild is recognized all over Taneytown and is revered by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He never fails to visit those in hospitals and nursing homes, and frequently surprises non-parishioners who are ill by dropping in for a pleasant ecumenical visit and a blessing.”– Larry Webster, President, the Holy Name Society of Saint Joseph, Taneytown
“Monsignor’s imprint of his time in Taneytown is left in the hearts of the people; of young and old.” – Nancy McCormick, Economic Development and Community Director for the City of Taneytown
“During his time in Taneytown, he was a leader in the ministerial community and had a special place in his heart for those who were down and out, regardless of religious affiliation.”– James McCarron, Mayor of Taneytown
“Standing at about 6’4”, Monsignor Feild is recognized all over Taneytown and is revered by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He never fails to visit those in hospitals and nursing homes, and frequently surprises non-parishioners who are ill by dropping in for a pleasant ecumenical visit and a blessing.”– Larry Webster, President, the Holy Name Society of Saint Joseph, Taneytown
The Kelley Medal Award Ceremony will be held in concert with a breakfast on Thursday, March 14, in Bunting Dining Hall at 8:00 a.m. All members of the Loyola Blakefield community are invited to attend. Register for the event here.
Named in honor of Rev. Joseph M. Kelley, SJ, the Kelley Medal recognizes his dedication and commitment to educating Loyola students in physics and mathematics for nearly 40 years. As such, the Kelley Medal is regarded as the highest form of recognition given to a Loyola alumnus. It recognizes an alumnus who is outstanding by reason of distinction gained in business, profession, or by his outstanding participation in ecclesiastical or civic affairs. In addition, the alumnus is recognized for how his personal, family, and public life serves as a role model and example to the students and graduates of Loyola Blakefield. The Medal was first presented in 1962 to the late Edward J. Donnelly ’33, the first lay member of the Loyola Blakefield Board of Trustees.
Named in honor of Rev. Joseph M. Kelley, SJ, the Kelley Medal recognizes his dedication and commitment to educating Loyola students in physics and mathematics for nearly 40 years. As such, the Kelley Medal is regarded as the highest form of recognition given to a Loyola alumnus. It recognizes an alumnus who is outstanding by reason of distinction gained in business, profession, or by his outstanding participation in ecclesiastical or civic affairs. In addition, the alumnus is recognized for how his personal, family, and public life serves as a role model and example to the students and graduates of Loyola Blakefield. The Medal was first presented in 1962 to the late Edward J. Donnelly ’33, the first lay member of the Loyola Blakefield Board of Trustees.
