Fr Michael Hart, our former Chaplain, died on 19th July 2025.
Fr Michael was an Anglican Canon when he retired; in his 50 years of priestly service, serving different churches including in Wales. After his retirement he became a catholic and later God called him back to ministry once more. On 1st July 2016 Fr Michael was ordained a priest of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in our Abbey Church by Monsignor Keith Newton and Bishop Tom Burns, who assigned him to be our part-time Chaplain.
We were delighted in God’s providence, as Fr John our Chaplain had a fall in 2014 and we had been without a Chaplain since then. We relied on the kindness of our diocesan priests, especially from Haverfordwest Parish. This arrangement suited both Fr Michael and us. He faithfully celebrated Mass four times a week including Sundays. We enjoyed his company, his friendly nature and his simplicity matched with our monastic formality very well.
Sadly during the pandemic lockdown in 2020, he was unable to come to us. When the lockdown was lifted, he celebrated his last Mass with us as Chaplain in August 2020, as he had decided to move to Burnham-on-Sea to be closer to his family, where he assisted the local parish priest. Although we kept contact with Fr Michael, at times he came to stay with us and supplied for Mass, he visited, and he joined us in our key celebrations.
Unfortunately, he was diagnosed heart failure in July 2024, which reduced his health. Fr Michael had a fall, and was admitted to hospital, and died shortly afterwards on 19th July 2025. His funeral was on 22nd August 2025 at Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church, Burnham-on-Sea. This was a sudden death which shocked everybody.
We mourn the loss of a faithful minister, a loyal friend, and a devout supporter. Please pray for the repose of his soul, and the consolation of family and friends.
May Fr Michael rest in peace.
