Farewell to Father Mike: Parish Center Named for Guardian Angels Leader

The Rev. Michael A. Cunnane on Sunday celebrated his last Mass as the pastor of Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Santee as he begins his retirement after serving as a priest for 50 years.

Parishioners filled the church for his final Mass and acknowledged his 25 years as the leader of  the parish in a two-hour gathering in the parish center.

At the end of festivities, the center was renamed the Cunnane Parish Center as well-wishers stood in a long line to exchange hugs with Father Cunnane and express their appreciation.

The Rev. Kevin Casey, a Jesuit who has been the associate pastor, was officially recognized as the new pastor during the gathering.

Cunnane—who previously served at St. Martin of Tours in La Mesa, St. Rose of Lima in Chula Vista and San Diego de Alcala before taking over the stewardship in Santee—celebrated his 50th year as a priest on June 4. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.

After a vacation, he plans to move into a new residence in Santee and help out at Guardian Angels Church from time to time and “remain involved in the parish in some capacity,” he said.