Fr. Redemptus (John) Short of the Cross was born in the West End of Boston, Massachusetts on November 26, 1917 to Patrick and Mary (nee Burns) Short. After a brief time with the Congregation of the Holy Cross he entered the Discalced Carmelite Order at Holy Hill, Wisconsin on October 14, 1940, taking the name Redemptus of the Cross. He made his profession as a Discalced Carmelite Friar on October 15, 1941, and was ordained to the Priesthood in Washington D.C. on June 10, 1947. He served as Student Master, Rector, Sub-Prior and parish priest. He served the order in Brookline, Massachusetts and Waverly, New York. In addition, he was stationed at St Florian Parish in West Milwaukee for 27 years and the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians at Holy Hill for 26 years. Out of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary he helped found the All-Night Vigil in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and served as its Clerical Moderator for over 45 years. His gentle warmth and kindness touched everyone who met him. Even his childhood friends thought he was outstanding in virtue, especially kind and generous.

Fr. Redemptus entered eternal life on November 13, 2010, while residing at Alexian Village, Milwaukee and is buried at the Carmelite Cemetery in Hubertus, Wisconsin.