Priest Who Founded the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Vigils, Died at 90

Monsignor Philip Reilly, an unsung hero of the pro-life movement, answered the call to speak up on the issue of abortion during his time as a priest. On November 30th, this walking saint was called home at 90.

Msgr. Reilly holds a degree in Philosophy from Cathedral College, a degree in Theology from the Catholic University of America, D.C., a Master’s in the Classics from Fordham University, N.Y.C., and an Honorary Doctor of Science from the School of Medicine of Tinava State University in Slovakia, has served the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, as Parish Priest for 5 years, and 26 years at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary as Seminary Professor, Prefect of Discipline, Academic Dean, Basketball & Chess Coach and Rector and for the past 23+ years as Spiritual Chaplain to the Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood at Precious Blood Monastery.

He also had a hand in The Father Troike leadership Program, establishing groups to provide help and guidance for widows and widowers, beginning and coordinating a Diocesan-wide Natural Family Planning program for engaged and married couples, and working with various agencies to alleviate world hunger.

However, the overriding issue for the past 47+ years has been the defense of the Sanctity of Life.

Father David Nix would call him a “walking saint”.

“Msgr. saved tens of thousands of babies in his compassionate method of sidewalk counseling for decades in Brooklyn.” Father Nix recalled.  “His evangelization spread throughout the world. In NYC, he taught the Sisters of Life and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (and me) all of his ways, mostly interior.”

Many genuinely look to Msgr. Reilly as their spiritual father because he cared greatly about the person he was talking to. He made the presence of God palatable. In his presence anxieties melted, fears vanished, and you left emboldened with hope, joy, and a holy energy to do God's will, and His will alone.

For many years he battled with cancer most likely contracted from countless hours under the sun doing sidewalk counseling, and helping young mothers keep their babies.

Towards the end of his life they had to just about fully remove his nose... a sign that he literally gave his body up for God's children. Reminds me of how Jesus gave His body up upon the Cross in the greatest gift to humanity."

There is no doubt that this heroic priest who launched a ministry is now with God and received a hero’s welcome from the countless babies he tried to save.

A website was established to honor this heroic priest. Anyone who has encountered Monsignor Reilly is asked to share a story or two here. 

In his words, "And... we keep going." 

Some of his bold sayings captured his wit and wisdom that can never be measured.

"We go for the conversion of hearts."

"We don't get overly emotional."

"We go to help the mothers."

"Mom, here's a Rosary for you."

"Always remain prayerful."

"Always have a sense of humor."

"The sky's the limit if it doesn't 

matter who gets the credit." 

"They're suing me for $49,000,000, why that's 

half my retirement fund!" 

"The reason we go out, is not primarily to save the physical life of the child, though we want to do that, absolutely, but if that becomes our primary purpose we will become limited in what we will achieve and we are going to misunderstand why God wants us to be there. Our purpose will determine the instrument that you use, so if your purpose is to save the physical life of the child then you are going to measure your success on whether the physical life was spared. But the real purpose should be the salvation of souls..."

May this hero receive his eternal reward and intercede for all involved with saving God’s precious infants outside of abortion facilities.