
First ordination for Contemplatives of St. Joseph takes place at St. Patrick’s Seminary
By Mary Powers
Contemplative of St. Joseph Brother Mikhael Josip Maria of the Holy Cross and the Holy Name of Jesus was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone on January 11 at St. Patrick’s Seminary & University.
The Contemplatives of St. Joseph Monastic Order was founded by Father Vito J. Perrone in the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 2012, the first religious order founded within the boundaries of the Archdiocese in more than a century. This past fall, both Father Vito Perrone and then Brother Mikhael made their final vows in the order. The ordination of Father Mikhael is the next major step for the new order.
The chapel at the seminary was full to capacity with Mater Dolorosa parishioners, Missionaries of Charity novices, seminary professors, and the current seminarians from various dioceses. Also in attendance were more than 20 priests from the Archdiocese of San Francisco, St. Patrick’s Seminary professors and alums, Father Mikhael’s family from Croatia, and Croatian friends who had supported Father Mikhael when he first arrived in the Bay Area.
“We rejoice that Br. Mikhael Josip Maria of the Holy Cross and the Holy Name of Jesus has successfully discerned and pursued [the call to the priesthood], which brings him to the altar today,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “It began early in his life, growing up in his own country marked as it was by the strife of civil war and oppression of the Church. And then later in life, as a young man and coming to this country, he had to adjust to a new and very different culture, mentality, political institutions and, not the least of all, language. He experienced initial setbacks in seeking to pursue his priestly calling, and now, in God’s inscrutable Providence, he will be the first one in his class ordained to the priesthood!”
In a video for the Archdiocese of San Francisco several years ago, Father Mikhael shared his vocation story, explaining that his initial calling to be a priest came while serving Mass.
“It was the most profound and yet most mysterious thing that ever happened to me,” said then Brother Mikhael. “The waters of everlasting life I felt like flowing out of my heart, and I said Lord, what do you want from me? What is going on? Some days later, this thought of priesthood and Mass never stopped appearing in my head and in my heart. Since then, I’ve constantly focused my thoughts and prayers on the Eucharist.”
During his homily, the Archbishop thanked Father Mikhael for pursing God’s call in his life.
“The seed of your priestly vocation has now come to full blossom, and we reap its fruit today,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “It is at the same time a commission to you: now it falls to you to begin the work of planting seeds, the seeds of pastoral charity for the people of God, a work of planting that imitates the self-emptying charity of Christ Himself. May your abiding with the one you love help you to imitate Him, our great High Priest, for the glory of God and the salvation of those in whom God will entrust to your pastoral care.”
Following the ordination, Father Mikhael bestowed his first priestly blessings to those present while family and friends gathered for a reception to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Photos: Mary Powers and Colleen Hera


















