Fr. Mike is a member of the University of St. Thomas’ founding order, the Basilian Fathers. He has been the Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry since 2008. He grew up in Palacios, Texas, the fifth of 11 children, and was ordained a priest in 1995. With Sr. Damien Marie, Fr. Mike has put a lot of time and energy into planning this World Youth Day and Camino de Santiago trip and his camping and hiking expertise will be put to good use.
Before becoming a priest, Fr. Mike earned an undergraduate degree in history and Spanish from UST. He taught and coached football at high schools in New Mexico, New York, Indiana and Michigan. As an avid sports enthusiast, he can frequently be seen in the weight room of the University’s Jerabeck Athletic Center. Around campus, he is known for his passion for cooking, particularly barbeque, which he prepares in his “Holy Smoke” barbeque pit.
“The journey on the Camino will give me a special opportunity to offer praise andglory to almighty God for the gift of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The daily Masses that I celebrate will be for family, friends, vocations to the priesthood and religious life, the University of St. Thomas, the poor and suffering of the world.”
