Monsignor Michael Joseph Slattery

December 22, 1938 – February 15, 2023

Monsignor Michael Joseph Slattery, 84, of Valencia, CA peacefully passed away in his sleep February 15, 2023, at Mary Crest Manor in Culver City. He was born in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland, to John and Kathleen (McNamara) Slattery on December 22, 1938. He grew up in Tallow with his four sisters and two brothers, working on the family farm, frequently tending to sheep. This foreshadowed the next phase in his life — becoming a priest and shepherd of souls.

This vocation to serve God led him to attend St. John’s Seminary in Waterford, Ireland, where he studied Latin, Philosophy and Theology, studies that stayed with him his entire life. Even in his last days, he could recite a plethora of prayers from memory and loved singing, especially the Salve Regina. Shortly after being ordained, in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford, June 17, 1962, he arrived in Los Angeles, quite the culture shock, to begin his career at St. Rose of Lima in Simi Valley. He would go on to serve at six more parishes; Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Newhall, CA), St. Mary’s (Palmdale, CA), St. John Eudes (Chatsworth, CA), St. Euphrasia (Granada Hills, CA), St. John Baptist de la Salle (Granada Hills, CA) and finally, St. Kateri Tekakwitha (Santa Clarita, CA).

Monsignor was a prolific reader, enjoyed music, golf, watching the horse races, going on long walks and having lively conversations with friends or strangers.

After the devastating earthquake in 1994, Monsignor Slattery was faced with rebuilding St. John Baptist de La Salle church. Perhaps it was this experience that helped him build the very beautiful St. Kateri Tekakwitha church from the ground up — the second largest parish in the Los Angeles Archdiocese.

He was a charismatic leader and had a gift for healing. Tens of thousands of people will tell you of their great affection for him. Thousands will fondly tell you about his wonderful sense of humor. Hundreds will attest to the miracles that happened through his anointings. Anyone who came to know Monsignor Mike was undoubtedly touched in some way. Some were inspired to become Catholics, some were inspired to become more involved with their faith communities and donate their time, talent and treasure, some were just inspired to be better people.

We will miss Monsignor Mike; his brilliance, the twinkle in his eyes, his humor, his compassionate and giving nature and so much more. We are grateful for our time with him on earth and can’t wait to see him again one day.

He is survived by his sisters Angelique and Carmel and brother James, 18 nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends.

Monsignor Slattery’s Funeral Mass, will be held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish on Wednesday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m. Two evenings of visitations will be held on Monday, March 20 and Tuesday March 21 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Rosary at 7:00 p.m.) at Eternal Valley Memorial Park.