On the stormy morning of May 3, the weather fit the mood of those attending Mass at St. Ann’s Church on Bainbridge Avenue in Norwood. Rev. Misael Sarita Bacleon, also known as Father Mike, had died on April 28. He was 61.

Bacleon was born on Nov. 2, 1948 in Cabadbaran Agusan Del Norte, Philippines. He was ordained in 1983 later came to New York and served in various churches before becoming a chaplain at Montefiore. He then came to St. Ann’s where he served for the last six years.

Bacleon was known in the parish as an avid line dance instructor and had a profound love for Broadway. “He led a life filled with love, joy and dance,” said Rev. Francis (Frank) P. Scanlon, St. Ann’s head pastor, during the service. “He danced through life.”

On Monday, Bacleon’s casket stood in the center aisle, steps away from the altar, covered by a white and gold sheet. The church smelled of incense and fresh flowers, which surrounded the church in beautiful arrangements of crosses and hearts in his honor.

Bishop Gerald T. Walsh and a large number of priests and monsignors gathered to hold the Mass and give their blessings and respects.

As the choir sang, parishioners, many of them Filipinos like Bacleon, bowed their heads in reverence.
Scanlon referred to Bacleon as “the good shepherd.”

“Father Mike never forgot where he came from, he knew he was one of us and was kind to all people,” he said.
“He was always happy, very loving. He loved everyone, he loved to dance and gave me great advice,” said Lourdes Hernandez, a parishioner, with tears in her eyes. “I will miss him very much.”

Bacleon was battling diabetes, causing the recent amputation of the toes on his right foot. According to Hernandez and other parishioners, it didn’t stop him from enjoying life.

As Mass came to a close, his casket was carried down the church steps. Tears began to flow, sobs and cries echoed within the church as some Filipino women cried, “Goodbye, Father.”

Outside, a white hearse awaited the casket. Parishioners waved a final goodbye before his body was driven away.
Bacleon will be laid to rest in California, where his sisters live. Only three weeks ago, they lost their other brother.

“He was the most wonderful priest,” said Kathy Tuohy. “Anywhere that they needed him he was there. He was always giving himself up. He was really the best.”

Ed. note: Funeral arrangements were handled by McKeon Funeral Home in Norwood. For more information, call 718-655-6464.