Father Michael Francis Patella, OSB, a monk of Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota, entered eternal life on July 15, 2025, after living with courage and faith through ALS. Born in Rochester, New York, in 1954, he was raised in a devout Italian Catholic home and nurtured a lifelong love of learning, service, and Scripture. Educated by the Christian Brothers, he entered their community for nine years and earned a B.A. from Iona College and a master’s from Boston College. His search for deeper formation led him to the Benedictines and, in 1984, he professed vows at Saint Mary’s Abbey before transferring to Saint John’s Abbey. Ordained in 1990, he went on to study in Rome and Jerusalem, earning advanced degrees in Sacred Scripture.
A gifted scholar and teacher, Father Michael joined the theology faculty of Saint John’s University and served as director of the Jerusalem Studies Program for more than two decades. He played a central role in the groundbreaking Saint John’s Bible project as chair of the Committee on Illumination and Text, helping bring Scripture to life through visual meditation. As rector of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, he shaped the lives of countless seminarians, fostering academic excellence, liturgical depth, and pastoral integrity. His books, articles, and lectures reflected his profound knowledge and love of Scripture, especially the Gospel of Luke.
Father Michael brought a joyful presence to monastic life, known for his quick wit, deep intellect, and warm hospitality. He loved singing in the abbey schola, biking, traveling by train, cooking Italian meals, and sharing stories at the community table. His final months, lived with grace and peace, were a testament to his unwavering faith: “Christ is at the center of it all,” he wrote. Father Michael now rests in the hope he embraced so fully, hastening joyfully toward his heavenly home.