Fr. Michael (Robert) Green, OSB, was peacefully called home to the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at the age of 80. He was a professed Benedictine monk for 61 years and a priest for 53 years.
Fr. Mike (as he preferred to be called) was born in Detroit on June 23, 1943 to James and Patricia Green. He had three siblings: Mary Geraldine, Thomas Edward and Mary Catherine. He attended St. Scholastica Grade School and Benedictine High School, both located in Detroit. Upon graduating from high school in 1961, he entered the Novitiate of the Sylvestrine-Benedictine Order at St. Benedict Monastery in Oxford, Mich., professing his Simple Vows on Aug. 27, 1962, and his Solemn Vows on Sept. 4, 1965.
He was ordained a priest on April 5, 1970. Beside his priestly duties, Fr. Mike served his monastic community in many ways, primarily by operating The Monk Press for over 60 years. Fr. Mike could also be found on the grounds bailing hay, or mowing the grass, trimming trees or repairing something. He always had a smile for anyone who would visit and made himself available to all who came to the monastery. Father served one term as Conventual Prior of the American Priory of his Order and was pastor of St. Scholastica Parish in Detroit.
Fr. Mike was active in Right-to-Life Lifespan for many years and was the chaplain of K of C Council 4764 in Lake Orion, MI, for over 50 years. When not busy with his duties he enjoyed watching sports, especially hockey, which he played while in high school and college. In high school he was a caddy at the Detroit Golf Club which started his love for the sport that lasted throughout his life. An avid golfer, he rarely turned down an invitation to play. He also enjoyed flying model airplanes, and contacting various parts of the world on his ham radio.
Fr. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas and his sister Geraldine. He is survived by his loving sister Cathy, his sister-in-law Nancy, his monastic community and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at the Chapel of St. Benedict Monastery, 2711 Drahner Road, Oxford MI, from 2-8 p.m. The Funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 715 N. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, MI. Fr. Mike will lie in state at the church at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fr. Mike's memory may be made to St. Benedict Monastery, 2711 Drahner Road, Oxford, Michigan 48370.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
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