Archbishop Michael Lenihan

Michael Lenihan, O.F.M., was born on September 22, 1951, in Abbeyfeale, in the Diocese of Limerick (Ireland). After completing his primary and secondary education and entering the Franciscan novitiate in 1972, he pursued philosophical studies at the National University of Galway, Ireland (1973–1976), and theological studies in Rome at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1976–1979) and the Pontifical Gregorian University (1979–1980). He made his solemn profession in the Order of Friars Minor on September 17, 1977, and was ordained a priest on July 12, 1980. He belongs to the Franciscan Province of the Friars Minor of Central America and Panama. Following his priestly ordination, he held the following positions: 1980–1982: Spiritual Director at Multyfarnham College, Ireland; 1982–1984: Vicar of the Friary, Wexford, Ireland; 1984–1989: Parochial Vicar of Saint Francis Parish in Gotera, Morazán, Diocese of San Miguel, El Salvador; 1989–1997: Guardian and Parish Priest of Saint Francis Parish in Gotera, Morazán, Diocese of San Miguel, El Salvador; 1997–2000: Guardian and Parochial Vicar, La Palma, Chalatenango, El Salvador; 2000–2009: Guardian and Parish Priest of Santos Martíres Parish, Comayagua, Honduras; 2004–2008: Provincial Definitor for the Honduras Region; 2001–2009: Vicar General of the Diocese of Comayagua; since 2009: Guardian of the Saint Bonaventure Fraternity at the Provincial Curia of the Friars Minor and Parochial Vicar of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Guatemala.