Obituaries : Msgr. Michael J. Moran, Retired Pastor, 80

Msgr. Michael J. Moran, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Palmdale for more than two decades, has died. He was 80.

Moran, who retired in 1989, died Wednesday of an abdominal aneurysm, the church announced.

The eldest of 14 children, he was born Sept. 22, 1914, in Monivea, Ireland. Moran studied for the priesthood at St. Jarlath’s Seminary in Tuam, Ireland, and was ordained on June 11, 1939, at St. Patrick’s College in Carlow, Ireland.

He came to California soon after and took his first assignment as assistant pastor of St. Agnes in Los Angeles. After assignments at several other Southland parishes, Moran became pastor of St. Mary’s in 1968.

During his tenure at St. Mary’s, Moran was active in numerous parish organizations, including the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. On May 8, 1983, Moran was named a monsignor by Cardinal Timothy Manning.

“We are thankful for all his years of helping us on our spiritual journey to remain faithful in serving God and His church,” said a statement issued by St. Mary’s. “May he now be reaping the rewards for this dedicated service during his lifetime.”

A rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Church, 1600 E. Ave. R-4, Palmdale. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s by Cardinal Roger Mahony and Moran’s brothers, Father Frank Moran and Father Peter Moran. A reception will follow. Chapel of the Valley Mortuary in Palmdale is handling arrangements.