Michael J. Cleary facts for kids

Michael J. Cleary was an important leader in the Catholic Church. He was born in Ireland in 1925 and later became a Bishop in The Gambia, a country in West Africa. He served the people of The Gambia for many years before he retired.

Who Was Bishop Michael J. Cleary?

Michael J. Cleary was born on September 1, 1925, in a place called Brickens in County Mayo, Ireland. He grew up there and decided to dedicate his life to the Catholic Church.

Becoming a Priest and Bishop

Michael Cleary became a priest on June 29, 1952. This meant he could lead church services and help people with their faith.

Later, on January 24, 1981, he was chosen to be the Bishop of the Diocese of Banjul. This is the main area for the Catholic Church in The Gambia. As a bishop, he was a very important leader for all the Catholics in that country.

Retirement and Later Years

Bishop Cleary worked hard for the church in The Gambia for many years. He retired from his role as Bishop on February 25, 2006. After he retired, he was known as the Bishop Emeritus, which means he was a retired bishop.

Michael J. Cleary passed away on September 3, 2020, when he was 95 years old.