FATHER FIRMIN MICHIELS

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FATHER FIRMIN MICHIELS May 7, 1930 - March 2, 2008 Father Firmin Michiels passed away, Sunday, March 2, 2008, following a massive heart attack at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, at the age of 77. Firmin, son of Robert Michiels and Helen Cnudde, was born in St. Alphonse, MB, on May 7, 1930. Besides the St. Boniface presbyterium, he will be lovingly remembered by his two brothers; Gerard (Denise) Michiels and George (Maria) Michiels, nieces and nephews; Ken (Chris) and their children, Jennifer, David, Brian, Larry (Doreen) and their children, Bradley, Jeffrey, and Lindsay, Mark's children, Cory (Stephine Labossiere), Shawn and Ashley, Daniel and his children, Vanessa and Joshua, Patricia Michiels, Kathy Hoeppner and her children, Katlyn and Ryan Hoeppner, Marleen (Eugene) Courchaine and their children, Breena and Keenan Courchaine, John, Kristina, Robert, Francis and Steven. He was predeceased by his parents; Robert and Helen Michiels (nee Cnudde) and by his nephews; Mark and Richard Michiels. He received his primary education at Cypress Valley School, Cypress River, then at Oakhill School, Swan Lake (1936-1944). He then pursued his studies towards the priesthood at Séminaire des Sts-Apôtres, Montreal (1954-1960), and continued his theological studies at the Grand Séminaire de Québec (Laval University, 1960-1964). Archbishop Maurice Baudoux, Archbishop of St. Boniface, ordained him to the priesthood at St. Gerard Church, Bruxelles, MB, on May 28, 1964. Father Michiels was Assistant Director of St. John Seminary (for First Nations), Otterburne (1964-1965); Director of Catechetics at St. Bernadette Parish (1964-1966); Diocesan Assistant Director of Catechetics (1966-1967); chaplain at the Precious Blood Monastery (1967-1971); teacher at the Précieux-Sang School (1968-1969); rector of St. Boniface Diocesan High School (1969-1972). He graduated with of Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba in 1970. He was Assistant Pastor at Holy Cross (1972-1973); then Pastor of same Parish (1973-1980); Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish (1981-1996); Pastor at Swan Lake, Bruxelles, Holland, Treherne and Cypress River (1996-2006); adding Mariapolis, St. Alphonse and Pilot Mound (1999-2006). Father Firmin retired from full-time Parish ministry in 2006 to take up residence in Holland, MB. He remained available for a replacement ministry in the Mountain Pastoral Zone. Father Michiels served faithfully, and with dedication the Archdiocese of St. Boniface during forty-four years of priesthood. His ministry in urban and rural parishes, his many years as a wise councillor on the Diocesan Administration Board were greatly appreciated by all who knew him and worked closely with him. His favorite pastime was wilderness excursions and photography. Father Firmin was always ready to take on new challenges. Thus at the age of 24, he began six years of studies towards the priesthood in attending a Minor Seminary in Montreal (total French immersion), followed by theological studies at the Grand Séminaire de Québec (Laval University). Throughout his life, Firmin was a good and faithful servant (Mt. 25, 21). A Prayer Vigil for Father Michiels will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 5 in St. Boniface Cathedral. The Funeral Mass will be presided by Archbishop Emilius Goulet, P.S.S., on Thursday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. also in St. Boniface Cathedral. A second Prayer Vigil will be held in St. John Berchmans Church, Holland, MB, on Friday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. A celebration of the Eucharist, presided by Bishop Noël Delaquis, will take place in the same church on Saturday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the interment in the Parish cemetery of St. Alphonse, MB. Following the interment at the St. Alphonse Parish Cemetery, all friends and relatives are invited to attend a luncheon in the Swan Lake Community Hall, Swan Lake, MB. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Father Firmin's memory to the Holland Catholic Centre, Holland, MB, c/o Kathleen Sundell, Holland, MB, R0G 0X0 or to the Swan Lake Catholic Centre, c/o Betty Ann DeCeuleneer, Swan Lake, MB, R0G 2S0. On-line condolences may be made at www.budz.ca Budz Funeral Service of Holland, MB are in care of the arrangements, 526-2380, 1-866-526-2606.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2008