Reverend Michael Joseph Flanagan, M.S., 82, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford, died June 22, 2014 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford, CT. He was born August 7, 1931 in Medford, MA, son of the late Michael and Annie (O'Brien) Flanagan. He attended St. Patrick Grammar School in Watertown, MA. After visiting the La Salette Seminary in Ipswich, MA, Father Flanagan stated, "I was very impressed with the La Salette Missionaries- - their friendliness and their openness and their desire to let us know what they were doing." He then entered high school at the La Salette Seminary in Hartford, and continued on to junior college at La Salette in Hartford and Bloomfield. He entered the novitiate of the Missionaries of La Salette on July 1, 1952 and made his first profession of vows on July 2, 1953.
After ordination to the priesthood on May 28, 1960 he was appointed the assistant director at the La Salette Shrine in Ipswich before being assigned as Assistant Pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hartford.
In 1967, he was named Assistant Pastor of St. Peter Parish in Dagenham, England, and in 1975 was named Pastor of Our Lady of La Salette Parish, Rainham, England. Other assignments included St. James Parish, Danielson, CT, St. Clement Parish, Calhoun, GA and St. Oliver Plunkett Parish, Snellville, GA.
Father Flanagan was a very gracious person who was interested in people and their problems. He spoke easily and comfortably with people and was particularly concerned about helping them in their difficulties. He thought that's what a priest should do.
He was an avid reader, and was especially interested in Irish history and poetry. His concerns included the problems and challenges of today's Church and the situations in the world.
In 2001 he was named senior priest in residence at Blessed Trinity Parish in Orlando, FL and remained there until 2009 when he was assigned to residence at Hartford House in Hartford, CT.
In addition to his La Salette Community, Father Michael Flanagan, M.S., is survived by a brother-in-law, Emerson Dickie of Watertown, MA and a devoted nephew, Kevin Dickie of Medford, MA and many other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 10:30 am at the La Salette Chapel, Hartford, CT. Burial will be at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT. Calling hours will be held at Hartford House, 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford on Wednesday, June 25th from 9:15 to 10:15 am. Contributions in his memory may be made to: Missionaries of La Salette Retirement Fund, 915 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114-2330. To share a memory with the Community or family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com