Fr. Mike Conway, New Director of Salesian Missions
(ANS – New Rochelle – Jan. 8, 2024) – Last summer, Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime appointed Fr. Michael Conway as new director of Salesian Missions. His appointment has now been formally announced.
Fr. Mike
immediately succeeds Fr. Timothy Ploch, who faithfully and effectively served
as interim director for several months following Fr. Gus Baek’s death from
cancer on Dec. 30, 2022.
Fr. Conway was born
on August 11, 1962, in Boston, attended St. Dominic Savio HS in East Boston,
and made his novitiate in Newton, N.J., where he made his first profession on August
25, 1983. He was ordained a priest by then-Bishop Oscar Rodriguez in Nanuet, N.Y.,
on May 31, 1992.
In his Salesian
life, he has served in many different ways in the New Rochelle Province: among
other positions, he was principal of Abp. Shaw HS in Marrero, La. (2005-2008), director
of the Salesian community in St. Petersburg (2008-2015), and director of the
community in Maryland (2015-2021). For the New Rochelle Province he was provincial
councilor (2018-2021) and treasurer (2021-2023). He was also the province’s
delegate to the 28th General Chapter in 2020.
“I’m delighted with
our Rector Major’s choice,” says Fr. Ploch. “Fr. Mike is a seasoned and capable
leader and colleague whose Salesian heart beats in unison with Don Bosco’s.”
The staff of
Salesian Missions added: “We’re delighted, too! And we’re grateful for Fr. Tim’s
leadership as he expertly navigated us through uncharted waters with grace.
Thank you, Fr. Tim—and welcome, Fr. Mike! The entire Salesian Missions family
appreciates you both.”
