Youngstown, OH | Chorbishop Michael J. Kail | 45th Ordination Anniversary

Thou art a Priest forever! This sounds like a penitential sentence but it is what you make of it. To be a member of every family but not really belonging. To suffer with those in pain or anguish, to carry secrets good and bad, to help heal or comfort, the many baptisms, marriages and funerals, to bless and to hope to be blessed and much more, is a fulfilling life. No human being is perfect, but we expect perfection. Decision making is difficult, especially when not everyone agrees with you. This life of a priest is not easy and only a few fit the calling or vocation. 

On 14 September 2019, St. Maron Church in Youngstown, Ohio, celebrated the 45thAnniversary of the Ordination of Priesthood for Chorbishop Michael J. Kail. The Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by Chorbishop Kail, Chorbishop Anthony Spinosa of the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, Monsignor Robert Siffrin, Diocese of Youngstown and Fr. Lubomyr Zhbak of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church. They were assisted by Deacon William George, and Subdeacons James Essad and Albert Dohar. The well attended liturgy was followed by a dinner at the Maronite Center with over 250 attendees, including his family from Pittsburgh, PA, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for Father’s 45 years as a priest.

 Chorbishop Kail was ordained on 14 September 1974, by Archbishop Francis Zayek in Pittsburgh, PA, and was assigned to the National Shrine and St. Maron in Youngstown, OH. Besides serving as pastor or administrator at six parishes, he has held several positions and offices including Office of Religious Education, Director of Youth Ministry, Diocesan Master of Ceremonies, and Spiritual Director of NAM. Currently, he holds the Office of Protopresbyter of the Midwest Region, Eparchial Director of the Office of Liturgy, and is a member of the Eparchial College of Consultors.

Chorbishop Kail is a great homilist and has a dry sense of humor. He is a solid rock, built on traditions, built with blood, sweat and tears of the founding families and sustained by the current families. He has shown much generosity, compassion, faith, and strength, and we appreciate and love him for that. Thank you for everything. A Priest Forever!