This blog is to give a place for parishioners and community members to share stories about Fr. Michel Gagnon, who passed away on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2008. Through the mercy and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, may he rest in peace. Amen.
8 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Father Michel has heard those words that all Christians long to hear one day; "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Only Jesus knows the number of people that Father Michel brought to Him. We will miss him more than words can say. I was blessed to know him and serve him. He always had time to share the wisdom he had, that came from the Bible and a life time of helping those in need.
Several years ago, the Tri-City Hockey League asked to move from the Boys Club in Vista to the "old tennis courts" at the Mission. Fr. Michel knew this was not strictly a Catholic activity, but understood the value of giving kids a place to participate in sports. Without his approval, (and the assistance of the Parish), hundreds of local kids would have missed the opportunity to play hockey at one of the best rinks in So. California.
Father Michel was the first and best priest I remember hearing give mass. He made me feel proud to be a young Catholic. His passioante commitment to the youthful faithful has been unprecedented in my life. He presided our Bacceloreate (for El Camino High School) in 1999 and I'm sure countless others. He said the funeral mass for a friend's mother when we had all just graduated high school, feeling displaced, sad and confused his words were truly a comfort. He truly was a consistant, positive model for who a Catholic Priest should be, certainly a "good and faithful servant," maybe even one of the best.
I just came across this blog much to late, but I felt I still should leave a comment. I had no idea that Father Michel passed away until this evening, I looked him up on the internet and found the newspaper articles about it. I'm very sad to hear of this, but I know he's very happy and peaceful in a better place now. I was able to speak with Father Michel many times, and also attended many Masses in which he was the Pastor. I had not seen him in years though because I moved away and no longer attended the San Luis Rey Parish, but I missed him then and I certainly miss him now. What a great Pastor, and what a great man.
My uncle would be celebrating a birthday on Thursday if he were here. Hard to believe that he has been gone one year. I still hear his voice. I miss him.
I will always remember Father Michel and be eternally grateful for his kind, honest guidance. lives on in the many lives of his flock and those with whom we share.
Father Michel was the principal character in returning my father and step-mother back to the Catholic Church! I will ALWAYS think fondly of you Father Michel!! MANY thanks for ALL that you did for my dad and step-mom! RIP Father Michel!! When you have some free time, please look in on me and know that I would welcome your help, guidance, insight and compassion as I pray to live my life according to God's will. Please help me to be Christ-like in my thought, word and deed!
8 comments:
Father Michel has heard those words that all Christians long to hear one day; "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Only Jesus knows the number of people that Father Michel brought to Him. We will miss him more than words can say. I was blessed to know him and serve him. He always had time to share the wisdom
he had, that came from the Bible and a life time of helping those in need.
Several years ago, the Tri-City Hockey League asked to move from the Boys Club in Vista to the "old tennis courts" at the Mission. Fr. Michel knew this was not strictly a Catholic activity, but understood the value of giving kids a place to participate in sports. Without his approval, (and the assistance of the Parish), hundreds of local kids would have missed the opportunity to play hockey at one of the best rinks in So. California.
Father Michel was the first and best priest I remember hearing give mass. He made me feel proud to be a young Catholic. His passioante commitment to the youthful faithful has been unprecedented in my life. He presided our Bacceloreate (for El Camino High School) in 1999 and I'm sure countless others. He said the funeral mass for a friend's mother when we had all just graduated high school, feeling displaced, sad and confused his words were truly a comfort. He truly was a consistant, positive model for who a Catholic Priest should be, certainly a "good and faithful servant," maybe even one of the best.
I just came across this blog much to late, but I felt I still should leave a comment. I had no idea that Father Michel passed away until this evening, I looked him up on the internet and found the newspaper articles about it. I'm very sad to hear of this, but I know he's very happy and peaceful in a better place now. I was able to speak with Father Michel many times, and also attended many Masses in which he was the Pastor. I had not seen him in years though because I moved away and no longer attended the San Luis Rey Parish, but I missed him then and I certainly miss him now. What a great Pastor, and what a great man.
My uncle would be celebrating a birthday on Thursday if he were here.
Hard to believe that he has been gone one year. I still hear his voice. I miss him.
I will always remember Father Michel and be eternally grateful for his kind, honest guidance. lives on in the many lives of his flock and those with whom we share.
Last time I cooked Thanksgiving dinner he was here. I fixed the meat dressing his mother, my grandmother used to make. Fun day. Miss him still.
Father Michel was the principal character in returning my father and step-mother back to the Catholic Church! I will ALWAYS think fondly of you Father Michel!! MANY thanks for ALL that you did for my dad and step-mom! RIP Father Michel!! When you have some free time, please look in on me and know that I would welcome your help, guidance, insight and compassion as I pray to live my life according to God's will. Please help me to be Christ-like in my thought, word and deed!
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