This week Fr Michael was called by the Lord. More than seventy years ago he discerned that the Lord Jesus was calling him to be a missionary priest. That's why he joined the Oblates in Ireland and was ordained a priest in 1952. For 62 years he served the Lord Jesus here Down Under. What I will remember of Fr Michael was his commitment to prayer. I think we didn't give him a chance to have his retirement as we bombarded him with various intentions to be prayed for. Until the very end he was in the heart of our Province supporting those in various ministries by his prayers and sacrifices. I was blessed to visit him just a few hours before he passed from this world to Jesus whom he loved dearly. As I was praying the prayers for the dying I felt that he was walking me to the gates of heaven he was about to cross. Although I had to return to the world I took with me a glimpse of happiness from the man who was pining to be united with the Lord who called him to be an Oblate and who was the love of his life.
The following day I found in his room a reflection on eternal life. Every verse was telling of his longing for the moment of seeing the Lord face to face. I hope that Fr Michael doesn't stop praying for us to have a similar longing in our hearts. With such a longing life has got a different meaning.
The following day I found in his room a reflection on eternal life. Every verse was telling of his longing for the moment of seeing the Lord face to face. I hope that Fr Michael doesn't stop praying for us to have a similar longing in our hearts. With such a longing life has got a different meaning.
Fr Michael Clarke OMI, May he rest in peace
Fr Michael visiting us at the seminary last year
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