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Farewell, Fr. Michael

College Chaplain Recieves New Assignment

(Fall 2006 Newsletter)

The saying goes that there are only two kinds of priests—those who have been re-assigned, and those who are going to be re-assigned. Indeed, the life of a priest is filled with change and the obedient acceptance of new endeavors commissioned by one’s superiors—and the life of Rev. Michael Perea, O.Praem., is no exception.

For the past eight years, Fr. Michael has been a chaplain at the College and a tireless servant to the students, faculty, and staff of Thomas Aquinas College. Over the summer, he received from his Abbot a new assignment as associate pastor at the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Wilmington, California, a couple of hours from the campus.

Since his departure from the College occurred during the summer months, a quiet farewell was held at the time. When students and faculty returned to the campus in late August, however, Fr. Michael visited the campus for a special luncheon in his honor held in St. Joseph’s Commons.

During the luncheon, President Dillon and Dean McLean presented the former chaplain with beautifully-carved wooden statues of the patrons of his new parish and the residence hall he occupied when chaplain at the College, Saints Peter and Paul Hall. In a short tribute to Fr. Michael, Dr. Dillon then said, “Over the years he has been with us, I have been edified by the seriousness with which Fr. Michael takes his priesthood. He is always a priest and has always been available for students. He has been extremely cooperative, and he is a wonderfully humble man. I am grateful for Fr. Michael and for the example of humility he has given us all.”

Clearly delighted with the gifts, Fr. Michael thanked the president and dean, and then spoke of his abiding attachment to the College: “There hasn’t been a day that has gone by that I haven’t thought about Thomas Aquinas College and prayed about Thomas Aquinas College....I love you all; I’ll pray for you all. Please pray for me.”

On behalf of the students, head prefect David Grotoff (’07) also presented Fr. Michael with a book of personal messages and a photo album from the students saying, “We would like you to have with you some of our prayers, memories, and expressions of gratitude as a representation of the wonderful influence you have had on this College community.”

-- Qtrly Newsletter, Fall 2006