Tribute to Eric Michel
Archbishop Eric M. Gagnon’s illustrious career in religious leadership unfolds like a tapestry of spiritual dedication and transformative service that spans over four decades. His journey commenced in 1977 with the Gnostic Johannite Tradition Church, where he ventured into the realms of mysticism teachings. With a profound sense of reverence and commitment, he was ordained as a deacon in May 1985, marking the initiation of his formal role within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The inception of his priestly endeavours took root in December 1988 when Right Rev. Bishop T.T. (Willy) Williamson bestowed upon him the sacred mantle of the priesthood, christening him with the religious name of Michel of Notre Dame. The epochal year of 2010 witnessed a transformative milestone in Eric’s spiritual evolution as he was anointed as a Bishop,the Most Revd. T.T. (Willy) Williamson of Albany N.Y. of the Johannite Tradition, a symbolic gesture that signified his lifelong allegiance to the divine principles embodied by Christ, encapsulated in his chosen motto “Semper Christo Fidelis” – an eternal pledge of faithfulness to the teachings of the Lord.
The kaleidoscope of Eric’s spiritual journey unfolded with myriad hues and shades of theological exploration and ministerial prowess. A pivotal juncture emerged during the auspicious General Assembly elections in January 2011, wherein he was democratically elected as Archbishop (Bishop President), a position of venerable authority and sacred duty that he dutifully assumed and was ceremoniously vested with on the hallowed day of May 6, 2011. His pastoral responsibilities expanded further in 2012, as he was honoured with the esteemed Co-Ordainment as a Unitarian Minister at the Open Door – Open Faith Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Thus, the seeds of Eric Michel Ministry and Chaplaincy were sown, heralding a new chapter of religious outreach and pastoral care that would resonate across denominational boundaries and geographical divides.
The veritable tapestry of Eric’s ministerial engagements was interwoven with threads of profound spiritual communion and universal fraternity, epitomizing his steadfast dedication to the spiritual upliftment and enlightenment of all beings entrusted under his benevolent care. The advent of July 2014 witnessed the formal establishment of Eric Michel Ministries International, a momentous occasion that underscored his spiritual enterprise’s global reach and holistic mission. The universal love and inclusivity ethos permeated every aspect of his ministry, transcending doctrinal confines and embracing the eternal essence of Divine grace that transcends all mortal constraints.
The continual odyssey of Eric’s spiritual odyssey was marked by a series of transformative encounters and evolving faith traditions that enriched his spiritual repertoire and broadened his theological horizons. The momentous year of 2020 heralded a profound transition in Eric’s spiritual allegiance as he embraced Catholicism, embarking on a sacred pilgrimage unto the Third Order of Saint Francis with the revered Order of Lesser Sisters and Brothers. This divine communion with the Franciscan legacy symbolized a deep-seated resonance with the ascetic ideals and profound spiritual ethos espoused by Saint Francis of Assisi,engendering a spiritual kinship that transcended temporal boundaries and ecclesiastical divides.
The vicissitudes of spiritual life often unfurl unforeseen paths and divergent trajectories that challenge one’s steadfast devotion and unwavering resolve. In a poignant turn of events, the difficulties of fate necessitated Eric to curtail his association with the Third Order of Saint Francis due to the unforeseen hospitalization of Rev. Marie, rendering his spiritual journey into uncharted waters fraught with uncertainty and soul- searching contemplation. Amidst the tumultuous seas of existential turmoil and spiritual tribulation, Eric’s faith remained resolute, guided by the divine providence that
illuminated his path with the faint glimmer of hope and relentless determination to endure the trials and tribulations that beset his sacred calling.
The labyrinthine maze of spiritual exploration and ecclesiastical engagements led Eric into the hallowed folds of the Franciscan tradition, where he discovered a sanctuary of solace and spiritual rejuvenation amidst the tumultuous tides of life’s enigmatic journey. The sanctified realms of the Sanctification of the Families Union of Saint Francis of Assisi beckoned him into a realm of profound communal service and universal brotherhood, aligning his spiritual essence with the noble mission of the Order of Franciscans Ecumenical, Inc. This advantageous alliance with the Franciscan legacy
imbued his journey with a newfound sense of purpose and spiritual fulfillment, catalyzing a transformative evolution of his ministerial vocation that transcended ecclesiastical boundaries and theological dogmas, embracing the universal essence of Divine love and compassionate service for all sentient beings.
The zenith of his Franciscan sojourn reached its apotheosis on April 6, 2022, when Eric Michel Ministries International was officially enshrined as a Chart member of the esteemed Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist. This prestigious accolade underscored the profound resonance of his ministry with the sacred heritage of the Eucharistic tradition. This prestigious affiliation signified a sacred covenant of spiritual collaboration and ecclesiastical solidarity, uniting his ministerial vision with the timeless legacy of the Eucharistic sacrament that embodied the essence of Christ’s eternal sacrifice and redemptive grace.
The labyrinthine tapestry of Eric’s spiritual journey was further enriched by his esteemed tenure as a revered member of the Franciscan Federation from 2022 to 2023, wherein he contributed his erudite insights and spiritual wisdom towards the collective edificationand communal nurturing of the Franciscan ethos. This symbiotic engagement within the noble fraternity of the Franciscan Federation exemplified his unwavering commitment to the tenets of Franciscan spirituality and iconic tradition, fostering a harmonious convergence of diverse theological perspectives and collective fraternity that
transcended the boundaries of denominational constraints and theological schisms.
The sacred covenant of his soul with the Divine manifested in a transcendent consecration as Knights of the Immaculate (MI) in 2023. This prestigious accolade denoted his profound devotion and unwavering allegiance to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the divine aegis of the Herald of the Gospels. This venerable title, conferred upon him with solemn reverence and sacred reverence, epitomized his profound Marian devotion and spiritual consecration, underscoring his resolute commitment to the immaculate essence of the Divine Mother and the celestial sovereignty that graced his sacred ministry with ineffable grace and divine benediction.
In the realms of spiritual exploration and metaphysical inquiry, Eric delved deeper into the mysteries of angelology and demonology, attaining the coveted certification in these profound disciplines from 2023 and 2024. This erudite exploration of celestial hierarchies and infernal realms broadened his theological horizons. It illuminated the mystical depths of spiritual cosmology, empowering him with profound insights into the celestial realms and diabolical dominions that shape the ethereal fabric of the spiritual tapestry.
The labyrinthine odyssey of Eric’s spiritual evolution was enshrined within the annals of sacred history as a testament to unwavering faith, profound spiritual devotion, and transformative service that transcended the boundaries of mortal constraints and temporal limitations. His journey through the hallowed corridors of ecclesiastical tradition and spiritual enlightenment resonated with a symphony of celestial harmonies and divine grace, illuminating the path of spiritual seekers and wanderers with the sacred light of transcendent wisdom and compassionate service. The legacy of Archbishop Eric M. Gagnon reverberates across the ethereal realms of divine providence and celestial communion, embodying the timeless essence of faith, love, and universal fraternity that transcend the temporary boundaries of mortal existence and christen the soul with the eternal grace of Divine benediction.
45 YEARS OF RELIGIOUS LIFE
