Almighty and eternal God,
hear our prayers for your son, Mgr Fred Miles
whom you have called from this world to yourself.
Grant him light, happiness and peace.
Let him pass in safety through the gates of death,
and live for ever with all your saints
in the light you promised to Abraham
and to all his descendants in faith.
Guard him from all harm
and on that great day of resurrection and reward
raise him up with all your saints.
Pardon his sins and give him eternal life in your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
‘A Catholic priest shows that one of God’s greatest gifts is a sense of humour’ is the subtitle of ‘Milestones’, the memoirs of Monsignor Frederick Anthony Miles, Prot. Ap., published in 2007 when he was 82 years of age. He died aged 95, his longevity the result, in part, of having learnt to enjoy life and all that it brings. Perhaps, when he wrote his memoirs in celebration of 80 years of life, he thought it best that he wrote about himself, the way he wanted his story told, rather than being written about! The back of ‘Milestones’ summarizes Mgr Miles’ life. He ‘…has always maintained that he was “a miserable child”…Whatever misery – real or imagined – he suffered, he lost it by the age of eleven. From then he has been at the centre of a life packed with good humour and laughter. Catholic priest, schoolmaster, Private Secretary to two Cardinals of Westminster and then rector of a central London parish, the characters he met along the way have been colourful and diverse, the experiences rich with humour’. Mgr Miles is described as a man of devout faith, great wisdom and intelligence and with an indefatigable sense of fun.
Nearly seventy of Mgr Miles’ 94 years were lived as a priest of the Diocese of Westminster. He was born in Essex on 13th December 1925 to his parents Patrick and Elizabeth who gave birth to six children, Fred being the fifth. His parents came from Ireland and were married in Cork in 1916. Patrick Miles was a police officer in the Royal Irish Constabulary. He and his wife left Ireland in 1922 to live in Essex. Fred studied for the priesthood at St Edmund’s College, Ware and was ordained in the college chapel on 16th July 1950 by Cardinal Bernard Griffin. Fred Miles seems to have known about his vocation to the priesthood from the age of nine. He had been influenced by his Parish Priest in Braintree, ‘a saint of a man’, he wrote. When aged 12 he was accepted as an ecclesiastical student by Cardinal Arthur Hinsley, Archbishop of Westminster. Fr Miles’ first Mass was celebrated in his home parish of Braintree. Two weeks later he presided at the wedding of his older brother Paddy to Cynthia. Soon after Fr Miles was sent to Christ’s College, Cambridge where his studies in English and History achieved the award Master of Arts. While at Cambridge he lived at St Edmund’s House with other priest-students who became life-long friends. He returned to St Edmund’s College to teach English to senior classes and Latin and French to junior classes, from 1953 to 1966. Fr Miles was an enthusiastic rugby player and readily admitted that his two great loves were God, and rugby. He coached the First XV and he also played and coached tennis, and was in the cricket team. He enjoyed the company of colleagues and they enjoyed his ability to mimic others during times of relaxation and merriment. Staff and students held Fr Miles in awe, and he won the respect and affection of all. He treated everyone fairly and he gave of his best and expected others to do the same. Attentive to his teaching responsibilities and as a House Master, he gave of his best including playing and coaching sport. He trained boys to serve at the altar. Fr Miles’ example of priesthood combining prayer, work and leisure demonstrating commitment and integrity inspired both students and colleagues. He is remembered as being strict but fair. He maintained links with St Edmund’s through service as a Governor from 1984-89 and he served as a Patron of the Edmundian Association.
In 1966 Fr Fred was appointed Private Secretary to the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal John Heenan and then to Cardinal Basil Hume. He described both men as ‘hugely inspirational’. He had a particular connection with Cardinal Heenan – both came from Irish stock and shared the same sense of humour. His next appointment was to St James’, Spanish Place as rector from 1977 to 1998. These 21 years were the happiest years of his life, he told friends. His rapport with parishioners brought Fr Miles much satisfaction, and the parishioners’ lives were enriched by Fr Fred’s ministry. In 1969 he was appointed Chaplain to His holiness with the title Monsignor, and appointed Protonotary Apostolic in 2002. When he retired from Spanish Place at the age of 73, due to failing eyesight, Mgr Miles went to live at St Peter’s Residence in Vauxhall, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. He continued as a member of the Metropolitan Chapter of Westminster, as Provost. Despite issues with his eyesight he struggled on, chairing meetings of the Chapter and encouraging the other Canons, never complaining about his condition or looking for sympathy. He stood down from this role at the age of 75. While at St Peter’s he celebrated 65 years of priesthood with a Mass of Thanksgiving in the relatively small chapel with the Sisters and a representation of residents, family, friends and former parishioners with Cardinal Vincent presiding on 16th July 2015 just five months before his ninetieth birthday. In his homily the Cardinal remarked that only one event was more important in the history of the Residence – the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2010! Mgr Miles was popular among the residents, and he continued to have visits from family, friends and former parishioners who were happy to assist him with needs due to macular degeneration and failing mobility. Mgr Miles’ kindness and appreciation for other people earned him the respect of all. He saw the good in people and situations, and maintained his dignity as the years advanced. He was always well turned out, dressing impeccably whether in a suit, cassock or casual attire.
In 2014 Mgr Miles wrote for the magazine produced by the Little Sisters of the Poor with a brief summary of his life. ‘…there has never been a moment when I doubted the decision and choice I made at the age of 9. I have been hugely blessed in the inspirational people I have met along the way…I cannot imagine living any other sort of life but that of a priest and I thank God for the gift of faith and of life.’
His siblings predeceased him but he leaves 13 nephews and nieces and many great and great great nephews and nieces. His family have fond memories of their time with their uncle, sharing fun and laughter, and grateful for the interest he took in each of them as they grew up. Colleagues, friends and former parishioners will cherish their memories of a pastor who was humble, humorous and honest. He was accepting of others and others were accepting of him, and benefited from their association with him.
Mgr Miles died peacefully at home in St Peter’s Residence on 6th April.
Mgr Miles’ graveside funeral took place on 28th April at St Mary’s Cemetery, Kensal Green with Bishop Nicholas Hudson presiding.
May this faithful priest rest in peace and rise in glory.
