Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary celebrates the life of our beloved friend and colleague, Fr. Michael Patella, OSB. Fr. Michael embraced eternal life on July 15, 2025 after a courageous battle with ALS.
Fr. Michael was born in Rochester, New York on December 28th of 1954. He professed vows at Saint John’s Abbey in 1984 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1990. Fr. Michael attended Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity as part of his priestly formation. After earning his Master of Divinity, he completed a License in Sacred Scripture from Rome’s Pontifical Institute and a Doctorate in Sacred Scripture from the École biblique et archéologique française in Jerusalem. After finishing his doctoral studies, Fr. Michael returned to Collegeville as a faculty member at Saint John’s University, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary and Department of Theology.
A prolific writer, Fr. Michael’s published five books, numerous journal articles, and countless contributions to Give Us this Day and The Bible Today. He was a member of the Catholic Biblical Association and the Society of Biblical Literature. In addition to his publishing career, Fr. Michael leaves an enduring legacy as the Chair of the Committee on Illumination and Text for The Saint John’s Bible. Fr. Michael traveled to countless destinations all around the world to share the beauty and transformative impact of The Saint John’s Bible. In June of 2025, Saint John’s School of Theology received a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible through the generosity of Elaine and Bruce Culver in Fr. Michael Patella, OSB’s honor. Fr. Michael described this as a moment where two of his greatest loves, the School of Theology and Seminary and the Saint John’s Bible came together in a special way.
While serving as a professor and a key member in the creation and promotion of The Saint John’s Bible, Fr. Michael was tasked by Abbot John Klassen, OSB to be the Seminary Rector at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. Fr. Michael served in this role for over 15 years, providing direction, mentorship, and formation to seminarians who now serve in religious communities across the globe. As part of his work as Rector, Fr. Michael also served as the Director of the Holy Land Program, leading students and friends of the School of Theology and Seminary on life-changing pilgrimages.
We give heartfelt thanks for Father Michael’s witness to the monastic way of life, his love of Scripture and theological scholarship, and his embodiment of the joy of the Gospel. His friendship, laughter, love of good food, and extraordinary kindness enriched the lives of so many. He was a joyful and steady presence in our community, and his influence will continue to shape the mission of the School of Theology and Seminary for years to come.
Father Michael bore the 18 months following his ALS diagnosis with quiet strength and profound grace, reminding us that joy in the journey through the Paschal Mystery. With gratitude and the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, we commend our brother Michael to God and eternal life.
Saint John’s Abbey will celebrate his funeral Mass on Friday, July 18 at 10:00am in the Abbey and University Church.
Fr. Michael’s funeral Mass will be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/DZMQVXqQ5eg