IEC2012 – Christian witness from the Gulag

by | Jun 15, 2012 | Aid to the Church in Need, Stories from Siberia, ZZ_All

Father Michael Shields

Fr Michael Shields is a native born Alaskan priest ordained 32 years ago for the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska and now in the Diocese of St Joseph, Far East Siberia, Russia.

He has been deeply inspired by Jesu Caritas, with a deep love for the Eucharist and especially Eucharistic Adoration following the charism of Blessed Charles De Foucauld.

In 1994 after a 40 day retreat, and a two year discernment, Fr Michael began a life under the spirituality of Brother Charles in Magadan in Far East Siberia, which is a symbol of the suffering of the Gulags (prison camps) of Stalin. He and some other priests formed a small brotherhood called the Brothers of the Heart of Jesus. The life included the call to “pray in the camps” and to serve the reemerging Church by preaching the Gospel from the “roof top” of his life.

Fr Michael supports many ministries in his parish and community including pro-life work with young women under pressure to have abortions, addiction recovery programmes, prison ministry and retreat work.

Christian Witness in the Gulag

Click on link to download Text from Fr. Michael Shields’ workshop

This selection takes us on a journey from medieval times to the present, with moments of joy, celebration and devotion captured in music of great composers, our shared heritage in music.

Date of event Friday 15th June