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On the 28th July 1984, a young, thin, black-haired man walked into the Church of St David and St Patrick, Haverfordwest. On that gloriously sunny day, surrounded by family and friends, the deacon Michael Burke was ordained a priest. As Bishop James Hannigan placed his hands on the head of that young man, and later anointed his hands, I wonder if he knew
what he was letting the diocese in for?
Twenty-five years later, as he celebrates his Silver Jubilee, Fr Michael may not be as young, as thin, nor have quite the black dashing looks he once did, but he certainly has gained one thing – a reputation! By his own admission in his anniversary homily, he notes that everyone he has met has cause to celebrate him. There are those parishioners who will want to celebrate all the good he has done - and there are those former parishioners who just thank God that they ‘have gotten rid of him at last’! Fr Michael, judging by the large number of people who came to Sacred Heart Parish to celebrate with you, it would seem that the latter group are very much in the minority.
Fr Michael has served the people of Menevia in many different ways. Leaving from his home parish of Haverfordwest he has been a priest in many places. As well as his pastoral duties, Fr Michael has also done a great deal of other work to support the Church, both locally and worldwide. It was during his time as a seminarian in Rome that Michael spent two years learning about the Canon Law of the Church. With this newfound knowledge and skill in Latin, Fr Michael became the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese and to this day uses his legal skills to help those in very desperate situations. As well as being the ‘Communications Officer’ for the diocese, advising national broadcasters on both Catholic teaching and local issues, he is also the Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese.
So where did it all begin? Fr Michael, in front of his parishioners, friends, and brother priests outlined his early beginnings in his anniversary homily. He first had thoughts of being a priest when, as a young five year-old boy, he was taken to Caldey Island by his father. Not only did he enjoy the boiled sweets that they had to offer, but there was something deeper which stuck a chord in him. There was just something about the life of the holy monks that impressed him. As a young boy perhaps Michael would have struggled to articulate that feeling - today he would have no problem; the life of a Caldey monk is impressive because it is one of total dedication to God. While Fr Michael knew he could never live the monastic lifestyle, he has certainly made his life one of total dedication to God.
In the past twenty-five years Fr Michael has experienced both the highs and lows of being a priest. His happiest moment was being able to bless his Mum following his ordination. The saddest moment was when he had to bury her. In striving to do the will of God Fr Michael would say he is a work in progress! He has brought the love of God to many people through his celebration of the liturgy and pastoral visits; in return he has been shaped and changed by the people he has met.
During his Ordination Fr Michael said ‘yes’ to priesthood and made a lifelong commitment to
continue the work that Christ gave the first apostles.
During his anniversary Mass Fr Michael
reaffirmed the commitments he made at his ordination: he would continue to celebrate the
Sacraments so that others may grow in grace; he would continue to preach the Gospel so that all might hear the saving message of God; he would continue to pray for the Church that in all things God might be praised; he would continue to remain celibate so that he could be free to serve his parishioners with a single minded heart; he would remain obedient to the Bishops of Menevia and Rome so that the worldwide Church would proclaim God’s love with one voice.
Fr Michael said that his life “has been built as grace upon grace. All of it has been in view of one thing only - of bringing to you, the people beloved by Christ, the inestimable treasure of Christ, present in the sacraments. I have no other purpose in life, nor do I want any. Twenty-five years have taught me that the priesthood does not belong to me, but I belong to the priesthood.”
After Mass everyone retired to the Sacred Heart Centre where parishioners had prepared a feast. The hall had been decorated for the occasion with flowers and silver finishing’s, tables had been laid, food had been prepared and live music was provided by a string trio. Speeches were made by members of the parish, a poem extolling the virtues and vices of Fr Michael was recited and after his speech of thanks, Fr Michael cut his cake which was then
distributed to all present.
The whole event took much preparation and it to the credit of the Parish of the Sacred Heart just how successful the evening was. Fr Michael’s gratitude was clear for all to see.
What’s even more impressive was that the next day the whole thing was repeated! On the twenty-fifth anniversary of his First Mass the people of the parish gathered again. Different friends and priests who couldn’t make the previous day’s celebration arrived to celebrate the occasion. At this Mass Fr Michael didn’t preach; that instead was left to Bishop Tom who had only that morning flown in from Lourdes for the event. Bishops Tom’s words were heartfelt as he extolled the joys and trials of being a priest today. As Bishop Tom spoke about Fr Michael it would seem he had been well briefed by the parishioners: Quite how such a new bishop seems to know all of Fr Michael’s embarrassing stories is a real mystery! Fr Michael, there must be a spy in the camp!
Following the homily, Bishop Tom presented Fr Michael with a congratulatory scroll of blessing from Pope Benedict XVI.
During the party after the second Mass the parish presented Fr Michael with a cheque as a sign of their deep gratitude towards him. Obviously touched by their warm gesture he thanked all of those who had made his anniversary so memorable. He extended his best wishes to his father, sister and other members of his family who had all come to celebrate with him, to the parishioners he’s known, to the priests of Menevia, his friends from Rome and the members of the parish in Florida which he visits each year.
Fr Michael, congratulations that in this year of the priesthood you can celebrate your twenty-fifth anniversary.
May the next twenty-five be just as rich and fill you with many blessings.
May the Lord grant you many years and even more years.
Ad Multos Annos, Plurimosque Annos, Vivat!
Report by Liam Bradley |
