Michael Burke was born 3rd July 1957 in Plymouth, the son of Michael and June Burke and brother of Julie. The family moved to Haverfordwest, where Michael was baptised, made his First Holy Communion, and was confirmed in the Parish of St. David & St. Patrick. He attended school in Haverfordwest, and later studied Maths at Imperial College, London. After seminary formation at the Venerable English College, Rome, he was ordained, again in St. David & St. Patrick, on 28th July 1984 by Bishop James Hannigan. He subsequently obtained a Licence in Canon Law.

After leaving Rome, Fr. Michael served in the following parishes in Wales:

1985-88: Our Lady of Peace, Llanelli (curate)
1988–95: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Burry Port
1995-2001: Our Lady of the Assumption, Briton Ferry
2001-11: Sacred Heart, Morriston
2011-15: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Swansea
2015-16: St. Benedict’s, Clydach.

As well as these, at various times he held the roles of member of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission, Diocesan Master of Ceremonies, Vice-Chancellor, Judge on the National Marriage Tribunal for Wales, Communications Officer, Cathedral Administrator, and member of the Bishop’s Council and the College of Consultors.
Fr. Michael moved out to Florida in 2016 and assisted as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Magdalen Parish. He also served as a judicial vicar for the Diocese of Orlando Marriage Tribunal from 2019.

After battling with cancer for two years, Fr. Michael died on 25th September 2022, aged 65. He will be sadly missed.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen