Rev. Fr. Michael
Christopher Fewell
23rd March 1945 – 5th July 2021 (Joe's 1956/1958)
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Obituary by Lesley Fewell
(written 2023)
Born as World War II was
ending in March 1945 in Blackpool, Lancashire, Michael Christopher Fewell was the
third son of Sidney and Kathleen Fewell, late of Carleton. Older brothers Peter
and Anthony, now 88 and 85 respectively, also attended St Joseph’s. Michael’s
younger brother was the late Paul Fewell.
Michael started at St Joseph’s in 1956 and as a 14 year-old schoolboy in August
1958, he attended a Catholic holiday retreat at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset
(then in Hampshire). The retreat was run by the Claretian Missionary Fathers and
his parents Sid and Kath waved farewell to the still 14 year old Michael in
January 1959, when he joined the Claretians as a postulant. Leaving St Joseph’s
after only two-years when he realised his vocation was to become a Priest,
Michael moved away from Lancashire and was based at Buckden Towers in
Cambridgeshire. It wasn’t an easy life for the teenager leaving home at such an
early age and there is no doubt his parents and brothers missed him terribly,
particularly as he couldn’t return to Blackpool for a visit until 4 years later.
Michael endured long cold winters in dormitories with no heating often
developing chilblains. But the young Michael was fixated on achieving his goal
of becoming a Priest. During his initial stint at Buckden Towers a Chapel, St
Hugh’s was built, masterminded by Michael’s mentor, the late Fr. James (Jim)
Fischer. The Chapel stands to this day and a memorial bench to Michael is now
located at the front entrance. With Michael’s parents buried in Lucks Lane
Cemetery in Buckden the Fewell links to that area will remain forever.
Following his novitiate in 1961 Michael was sent to Highcliffe Castle, the
Claretian Major Seminary. He undertook further study in philosophy and theology
at the Pontifical Athenaeum of Heythrop College, near Chipping Norton in
Oxfordshire founded by Cardinal Heenan. Michael was part of a movement of change
in the Claretians. For example at that time clerics were forbidden from
attending the theatre and Michael wrote to Archbishop Dwyer of Birmingham and
Cardinal Heenan of Westminster requesting consent for the clerics to attend the
theatre. Both gave their consent, and the prohibition was lifted for all clerics
– and a trip to the Sound of Music in the West End of London went ahead!
Michael was ordained as a priest July 20th 1969 (Moon-landing Day!) at the
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hayes, Middlesex by Cardinal Heenan. The Church
was full with family and supporters from across the world in attendance. His
first official mass was said the next day at St Peter’s Church in Marlow, parish
of brother Tony.
In September 1969 Michael returned to Heythrop College to finish his degree and
was assigned to the community and parishes of Lambourn and Hungerford in
Berkshire and in July 1970 was assigned to Hayes parish. Michael described this
as a very happy thirteen years. His family fondly remember frequent visits to
Hayes where Michael was a popular Priest particularly the annual summer fete,
Christmas trips to the theatre and numerous retreats.
As a Priest, one of Michael’s dearly held tenets was to preside at every
baptism, first communion, confirmation, wedding and funeral as if it were for a
member of his own family, believing he would then be doing it as perfectly as it
was possible to do. Hundreds of people can testify this goal was achieved. He
always was conscious that at these events it was likely there would be
non-Catholics attending as well as lapsed and, therefore, these were tremendous
opportunities to re-evangelise and win people back to the sacraments. He was an
exceptional orator with a fabulous sense of humour and fun - and an infectious
laugh! Michael attended several St Joseph’s Old Boys Association dinners and
visits to the Houses of Parliament.
As well as beloved by parishioners, Michael was popular with his colleagues and
frequently ran days of recollection and retreats and held positions across the
years including Chairman of the Hayes and Harlington Council of Churches, Dean
of Carmarthenshire, Bishop’s Council Member, Tutor for Catholic Certificate in
Religious Studies and Member of Secular Priests’ Association of Dioceses of
Menevia and Wrexham.
In 1973 Michael attended the International Catechetical Congress held at St John
Lateran’s in Rome. Michael credits this as pointing him in a direction which was
to occupy what he described as some of the most exciting years of his life.
Michael joined the Westminster Diocesan Youth Team and became increasingly
involved in youth ministry culminating in working full time for the diocese in
an agency originally called Catholic Children in County Schools which was
re-founded as the Centre for Parish Catechetics. Michael worked there for seven
years and made many lifelong friends. In 1977 Michael was privileged to be asked
to preach a novena at the National Shrine of St Jude which is in the care of the
Claretians in Chicago.
Being elected Provincial Superior of Claretian Missionaries in 1983 was followed
by the launch of the extensive development of Buckden Towers into the St Claret
Retreat and Conference Centre. This included improvements to St Hugh’s Church as
well as the complete refurbishment of the gatehouse into apartments which
provide income to the Claretian Missionaries to this day. Michael left Buckden
with some sadness since for him it had been a happy parish and community.
In 2002 Michael moved to Gorseinon in Wales to become Parish Priest of Blessed
Sacrament, Gorseinon and St Bride’s, Pontarddulais and later his ‘dream job’ as
Parish Priest at St Teilo’s, Tenby. Retiring in 2018 Michael’s final years were
spent in Sketty, Swansea with St Benedict’s Catholic Church just a few doors
away. He celebrated 50 years as a Priest in 2019 with a service and reception at
St Benedict’s attended by family and friends spanning his career in the
Priesthood.
Michael died at Morriston Hospital in Swansea on the 5th July 2021 following
several years of poor health. Sadly, due to Covid restrictions his family were
unable to visit him in hospital but did manage to speak with him before he
passed away.
Michael’s funeral was held at the Cathedral Church of St Joseph, Swansea on the
23rd July 2021. The Principal Celebrant was the Most Reverend George Stack,
Metropolitan Archbishop of Cardiff and Apostolic Administrator of Menevia.
Michael is buried in Morriston Cemetery in Swansea and his headstone celebrates
his roots displaying a cross flanked by Lancashire roses. The family invite
anyone who knew Michael to visit the memorial bench at Buckden Towers and
Michael’s grave in Swansea if you are passing by. While living a very public
life Michael was, to his family, a dearly loved son, brother, brother-in-law,
uncle, cousin and friend and is so deeply missed by us all.
A card displayed at his funeral perfectly describes Michael’s legacy:
A devoted disciple who touched the lives of thousands of people during his 52
years as a Priest. He is loved by each one of us and will be missed more than
words can say. Rest in Peace.
May the angels lead you into Paradise; may a choir of angels welcome you.
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