Fr. Michael Buckley OCD Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Fr. Michael Buckley, OCD, died on Thursday, December 22, at the Carmelite House of Prayer in Oakville (Napa Valley) after a brief illness. He was 96. Fr. Michael was born on November 5, 1920, at Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland. His birth and very early life were affected by the conflict between the British authorities and Irish fighters for independence. He entered the novitiate of the Discalced Carmelite priests and brothers at Loughrea, County Galway, in 1939 and made his profession of religious vows the following year. From there he went to Dublin, where he completed his philosophy and theology studies and was ordained a priest in 1947. After ordination to the priesthood, he was sent to Rome for further studies. He earned an advanced degree in Sacred Scripture (and also played soccer with Karol Wojtyla, who later became Pope John Paul II). Returning to Dublin, he taught sacred languages and Bible to students for the priesthood. After a while he was sent to India, where for eleven years he taught Sacred Scripture at Alwaye Seminary. Again returning to Ireland, after a short period he was sent to the United States, where he ministered in California. He was elected Provincial Superior of the Anglo-Irish Province in 1978. (It was said that the sun never set on the Anglo-Irish Province, because it had communities and members all over the world.) After serving from Dublin for one term in this office, he came back to California, where he also served as Provincial Superior, for two terms, from 1984 until 1990. After a sabbatical in the Holy Land, he was assigned to the Carmelite novitiate house in San José and appointed Provincial Delegate for the Secular (Third) Order. He held that position for eleven years, from 1991 until 2002. Several years into that period, he moved from San José to the Carmelite House of Prayer in Oakville. Fr. Michael spent the last twenty years of his life at Oakville. He was pleased that he was able to spend his final days at home at the House of Prayer. His life had been one of missionary, Biblical professor, writer, teacher, counselor, friend, golfer, rugby fan, and religious superior and director. In his later years he appeared weak in body, but his mind remained sharp and insightful and interested and his heart was caring and positive and strong. This is part of his legacy to many people, not the least of whom are his fellow Carmelite priests and brothers. There will be a Vigil/Rosary for him at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home in Napa. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Apollinaris Church in Napa. Burial will follow that afternoon at 2:00 at Mount St. Joseph, Carmelite Novitiate, in San José.

Fr. Michael Buckley OCD

November 5, 1920 - December 22, 2016

Navigation

Contact Us

Fr. Michael Buckley OCD

November 5, 1920 - December 22, 2016

Obituary Notification

Navigation

Contact Us