Father Michael Suchnicki, O.F.M. Cap., a devoted servant of God, faithful priest and beloved friend, entered into eternal life on February 20 at the age of 86. Just two short days later, he would have marked 63 years as a professed religious and 28 in service to those in need in the Denver Metro.
Born on May 26, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, Father Suchnicki was the oldest of Adam and Genevieve (Aleksalsa) Suchnicki’s five children. A graduate of Catholic primary and high schools, Father Suchnicki entered the Capuchin Franciscans in 1960, after four years in repertory theater in New York and New England.
He was invested as a novice and given the name Br. Michael in Annapolis, Md., on February 22, 1962. He spent 15 years serving the people of Hays, Ks., as a faculty member at St. Joseph’s Military Academy, which was later reorganized as Thomas More Prep.
At the age of 44, Father Suchnicki discerned a call to the priesthood and enrolled at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Ct., where he earned his Master of Divinity. After 28 years as a lay brother, he was ordained to the priesthood on April 29, 1988, at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, Kansas, by Bishop George Fitzsimons of the Diocese of Salina. His ordination began a life dedicated to serving God’s people.
Father Suchnicki’s priestly journey led him to several important roles, where he touched countless lives with his compassion, faith and generosity. For five years following his ordination to the priesthood, he served the people of Victoria, Vincent, Pfeifer, Catherine, Hays and Munjor, Ks.
He made his way to Denver in 1993 to serve as the Associate Director of the Samaritan House Homeless Shelter in Denver, offering care, love and support to those in need until 1997, when he returned to Hays, Ks., to serve as associate pastor there.
He returned to Denver in 2001 to serve as the chaplain of Samaritan House, and in December 2002, he became the chaplain at St. Patrick Oratory in Denver, where he served with distinction, providing spiritual guidance and support to the community's faithful.
In his 24 years at Samaritan House, Father Suchnicki was a devoted friend to the homeless who came to the shelter in serious need, raising funds and giving spiritual comfort and direction to the residents.
“Father Mike is always there when you need him — with a smile or information. He is one of God’s special people, and after spending time with him, nothing seems quite as bad or scary,” one of the residents said.
Even in “retirement,” Father Suchnicki stayed busy, hearing Confessions at various parishes and giving spiritual direction to several permanent deacons.
His most recent ministry brought him to the Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community at St. Bernadette Parish in Lakewood, where he began serving as chaplain in March 2023. In this role, Father Michael continued to guide our Native American brothers and sisters in the faith, bringing comfort, wisdom and hope to all those who sought his counsel.
When a reporter once asked Father Suchnicki what his greatest joy was during his years as a priest, he quipped, “The ice cream on the weekends!” before quickly adding, “No, I think hearing Confession. That has been my greatest joy.”
A joy-filled witness to the Gospel, Father Suchnicki’s example continues to inspire all who knew him.
“Br. Michael, as he was known back then, was one of the first Capuchins I ever met, and he is in large part responsible for my vocation,” said Br. Mark Schenk, O.F.M. Cap., provincial minister of the Capuchin Province of St. Conrad. “As a young boy, I was captivated by his sense of humor. Years later, I could still admire how he used his self-deprecating humor to disarm others and to defuse tense situations. Like St. Paul, he was not afraid of becoming a fool for Christ in order to draw people into a relationship with Jesus.”
Upon hearing of Father Suchnicki’s passing, hundreds reacted with deep care, commenting on his legacy of compassion, humor and dedicated service to his people.
“It is with great sadness we hear of Father Michael’s passing,” wrote Shirley Dinkel on the Capuchin Franciscans’ Facebook page. “We worked with Father Michael (then Brother Michael) at Samaritan House in Denver. He loved every person with compassion and gentleness. His wry sense of humor kept us chuckling as we did every task with energy and purpose. His reverence in Mass and prayer was a shining example to emulate. We will treasure the memories of his friendship and service, and we will strive to treat everyone in the manner of St. Francis, who Father Michael surely modeled his life after. Rest in eternal peace, dear priest.”
“A saintly friar with a true apostolic heart. May he rest in peace!” added Father Christopher Popravak, the former provincial minister, on Facebook.
Father Michael was known for his humility, kindness, and unshakable belief in God’s love’s transformative power. He lived his priesthood joyfully, and his example will continue inspiring all who knew him. His ministry was marked by a commitment to justice, a compassionate spirit, and a profound love for the Eucharist.
Besides his religious brothers and sisters in the Capuchin Franciscans, Fr. Suchnicki is survived by a niece, Dawn Hicks, of King’s Mountain, N.C.
A Vigil will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Denver, and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bernadette Parish in Lakewood on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
