Fr. Michael Horianopoulos

Where are you from?     Kitimat, British Columbia When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?  A teacher. God let me get there, then promptly called me to something else! What was your background before you joined the Companions of the Cross?  I studied biology, then education. I became a grade 2 teacher at Sacred Heart School, Prince George, BC. What are your special interests?  I like fishing, making chaplets, and baking! Who, or what, inspires you?  Most frequently, its the witness of other Catholics! Seeing their devotion pushes me to more prayer and through struggles I face. What led you to join the Companions of the Cross? Could you briefly explain your vocations story?  I grew up Catholic and was always a Sunday Mass attendee. Like many, I balked at the idea of being a priest for many years when people would suggest it. I thought, “I want a family!” Towards the end of my time at university some new young adult faith studies and monthly adoration of the blessed sacrament started in our community. I came into a personal relationship with Jesus and became eager to attend retreats and spend time in prayer, reading the bible and going to daily Mass.

“I was at a retreat during my first year of teaching when I first felt a call from God to the priesthood. I was pretty shocked.” 

I went to vocations retreats, talked to the local vocations director, and talked with a few seminarians, including a few from the Companions. After a year of formation and discernment at St. Therese School of Faith and Mission I felt that God was calling me to the Companions of the Cross.