The Archdiocese of Liverpool was saddened to learn of the passing of Father Michael de Felice. He was 93 years old, and in his 61st year of the priesthood.

Michael Anthony de Felice was born in Fauldhouse, Scotland, on 26 May 1932, the son of John and Josephine de Felice. His early education took place in Glasgow, firstly at St Thomas’ Primary School, Riddrie, and then at St Mungo’s Academy. After a few years of work, he felt drawn to consider a religious vocation with the Franciscans.

To prepare for this formation he spent two years (1956-58) at Campion House, Osterley, before entering the Franciscan House of Studies at East Bergholt, Suffolk. He was professed with the Order of Friars Minor, taking the religious name Casimir, stayed at East Bergholt until his ordination on 3 March 1965. The following year he began his studies for a Diploma in Education at St Mary’s College, Strawberry Hill, qualifying as a teacher in 1969.

Once he had qualified as a teacher, he was assigned to the friary in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, and taught in one of the local schools. In 1973, he switched capital cities as he moved to the friary at Forest Gate, London, where he continued teaching, as well as being part of a busy parish community.

His first appointment as Guardian came in 1975, when he was appointed to St Mary of the Angels, Fox Street, Liverpool. He remained at this city parish until 1980, when the Franciscans decided to withdraw the community from the parish. He was briefly assigned to the friary in Glasgow, before applying the following year to return to Liverpool with a view to becoming a diocesan priest.

Fr Michael was formally incardinated by Archbishop Derek Worlock on 3 February 1982, and had a couple of temporary appointments at Sacred Heart, Liverpool, and St Michael’s, Liverpool, before being appointed assistant priest at St Aloysius, Roby, in March 1984.

In February 1987, he was appointed priest-in-charge pro tem of St Joan of Arc parish, Bootle. He was to remain as pastor of this community until the parish closed in 2009.

He was a gentle and dedicated parish priest, taking particular care of the sick and demonstrating a great commitment to bringing back those who had wandered away from the Church.

He was much loved by his parishioners for his combination of charm, humour and endearing disorganisation. He also helped many spiritually as a gentle confessor. Further afield, he was involved in the Eldonian Village and in matters of social justice.

After his retirement as parish priest in 2009, he moved to the Eldonian Village and remained active by supplying in parishes for another decade. He always took pride in both his Scottish and Italian heritage.

He died on Saturday 17 January 2026, aged 93 years and in the 61st year of the priesthood.

May he rest in peace.