Fr. Michael Tarigopula

Dear Sisters and Brothers,
 
I am so excited to come and serve you as one of your priests. I am Fr. Michael Tarigopula from India. I was born on April 16, 1967. I am one of ten children, and I am the eighth child. I have five brothers and four sisters. I lost my dad in 1986 and my mom in 2006. All my siblings are in India. I have eighteen nieces and nephews. I did all my secular and seminary studies in India. I was an altar server, and there I was called for my vocation to the priesthood. 
 
What attracted me to become a priest? As an altar server, the sacred place and sacred things attracted me. Secondly, the Catholic Church is good. The Church was doing many good works. I wanted to become a  priest and do good work for the people.
 
At 13, I went to a boarding seminary in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh state, as that diocese had fewer vocations. I did my high school studies there and went to a Regional seminary in Hyderabad for priestly studies. I completed my seminary studies and was ordained a priest on April 28, 1994, for the diocese of Nellore.
 
I served in the Diocese of Nellore for nine years, and in 2003, I came to the Diocese of Scranton, PA. I was the Parochial Vicar at Epiphany Church, Sayre, PA. I loved it there, and people wanted me to stay, but my bishop wanted me back in 2006. I returned home and was appointed pastor at the Infant of Prague diocesan shrine.  
 
In 2013, I came to the Diocese of Madison and was appointed Parochial Administrator at St. Patrick's Church, Cottage Grove. In 2018,  I was transferred to Ss. Mary and Paul Church, Mineral Point, and St. Philomena, Belmont. And now, in 2023, I am here with you!
 
I am very excited to serve you as one of your priests under the guidance of Fr. Gary. I see it as a blessing, and I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to serve in this most incredible country. I love celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments. Evangelization and corporal works of mercy are my passion. I love reading, traveling, and sports.
 
I am excited to be with you, to serve you, and to help you know and grow as disciples of Jesus. I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you. I am praying for you; please keep Fr. Gary and me in your prayers.
 
Fr. Michael