Monsignor Michael Lenihan Honored at Funeral Mass

A large crowd honored Monsignor Michael Lenihan, a pastor emeritus of in Redondo Beach, at his funeral mass midday Tuesday at the church.

Law enforcement officers directed traffic around the church, and cars lined the streets for blocks. Even a local business plaza's parking lot filled up with mourners' vehicles.

Church officials had expected more than 1,000 people to attend the mass, which was followed by a burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. A visitation and vigil service were held Monday afternoon and evening.

Lenihan died Wednesday, March 23, at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance after battling a lung and kidney infection. He was 85.

The youngest of nine children, Lenihan was born Sept. 15, 1925 in Ireland, according to an obituary published by the parish.

After his ordination in 1952, Lenihan served as a priest in Corpus Christi, Texas, before he was reassigned to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles six years later. He served as an associate pastor and then pastor at St. Luke's Parish in Temple City and St. Columbkille's Parish in South Los Angeles.

Lenihan was named pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in 1981, where he served for 22 years, and after he retired as a pastor in 2003, he continued to serve as the parish priest.

Former Redondo Beach resident John Paul Godges, who grew up in the church, said that although he didn't know Lenihan well, "He always seemed like he was everyone's uncle. He was just a very humble and gentle man."

Lenihan is survived by his six nephews, his niece and their extended families.