J. M. Lelen was French American priest and author, translator, poet, and philosopher who corresponded with many notable figures in his lifetime.
He joined the Sulpician Order and became a Roman Catholic priest upon ordination at Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris on September 24, 1898.
He became editor of "The Christian Year" the diocesan newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington in January 1912.
He corresponded with and met many notable figures, including Margaret Mitchell, Alice Brown, William Dean Howells, Mark Twain, Jules Verne and Clare Boothe Luce.
In September, 1963 the Papal Cross (Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice) bestowed by Pope Paul VI was granted to Father Lelen on the occasion of his 65th anniversary of his ordination.