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Father Miles, former OLPH Kenner pastor, dies at 80
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Father Richard Michael Miles, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for 37 years and beloved former pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Kenner, died June 15 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he had retired.
He was 80 years old.
Father Miles was born on May 13, 1943, in Wyandotte, Michigan, and attended elementary school in Pomona, California. He attended Lutheran West High School in Detroit.
Father Miles earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit and a master's in divinity from Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a Lutheran pastor in Winamac, Indiana, and Bogalusa, Louisiana.
After much prayer and with the guidance and help of Archbishop Phillip Hannan, he entered the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
On May 3, 1984, Pope John Paul II ordained Father Miles to the priesthood at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
He served as associate pastor of 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 first and only 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, Father Miles' major goal was the "spiritual renewal of the parish." He opened the perpetual adoration chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in1994, which he called the "spiritual powerhouse 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 Our Lady of Perpetual Help rectory, church and school to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and encouraged families to do the same in their homes.
Father Miles was 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 his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 500 Minor St., Kenner, on Friday, June 23, at 11 a.m. Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond will be the celebrant.
Visitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church will be held Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.
Donations to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 1908 Short Street, Kenner, LA 70062 in Father Miles' name or Masses are preferred. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com.