Rev. Richard M. Miles
Deceased: 2023-06-15
Diocese: NEW ORLEANS
Seminary Graduation Year: 1984
The Reverend Richard Michael Miles, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for thirty-seven years and beloved Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Kenner, LA, entered into eternal life on the vigil of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Grand Rapids, MI on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 3:13 p.m. He was 80 years of age.
Father Miles was born on May 13, 1943, in Wyandotte, Michigan. He attended elementary school in Pomona, CA. His secondary education was at Lutheran West High School in Detroit, MI. Fr. Miles earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI and a M. Div. from Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. He was a Lutheran pastor in Winamac, IN, and Bogalusa, LA. After much prayer and with the guidance and help of Archbishop Philip Hannon he entered the North American College in Rome. On May 3, 1984, His Holiness, John Paul II, ordained Fr. Miles to the priesthood at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
He served as Associate Pastor at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in New Orleans and St. Catherine of Siena Church in Metairie. He was Parochial Vicar at St. Philip Neri Church in Metairie, and his pastorate was at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Kenner until his retirement in 2021. When he was assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Fr. Miles’ major goal was the “Spiritual Renewal of The Parish.” He opened the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at OLPH in 1994, which he called the “Spiritual Power House of the parish.” He taught himself Latin and started offering the Latin Mass with permission of the Archbishop. Father Miles promoted many devotions to enrich the spiritual lives of his parishioners including Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Holy Face, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Joseph, St. Rosalie, and St. Philomena. He enthroned the OLPH rectory, church and school to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and encouraged families to do the same in their homes.
Father Miles is preceded in death by his father Corbin Isaac Miles, Sr. and his mother Palma Chirillo Miles; two brothers, Corbin Miles, Jr. and Donald Miles. He is survived by a sister, Jenny Miles Botz (Larry) and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Parishioners, clergy and friends are invited to attend the funeral. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 500 Minor Street, Kenner, LA on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, celebrant. Visitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Interment in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. Donations to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 1908 Short Street, Kenner, LA 70062 in Fr. Miles’ name or masses preferred. Arrangements by L. A. Muhleisen and Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.
