Parish Priest for St Joseph's and St Wilfrid's Catholic Church, Felling and Gateshead

Canon Michael Brown grew up in Low Fell, Gateshead from 1964 after moving from Newcastle. After school at St Cuthbert's Grammar in Newcastle, he did a degree in Latin and Medieval History at St Andrew's.

After a brief spell as a novice with the Discalced Carmelites he studied for the priesthood at Ushaw college acquiring a theology degree from Durham University in that time.

Following ordination at St Peter', Low Fell in November 1988 he spent a short time as a curate in St Joseph's, Birtley before he was sent to Rome in 1990 to get a license in canon law.

On returning to the diocese he was appointed as curate at St Robert's, Morpeth while starting work on the diocesan tribunal. He was also a regular celebrant at the Latin Mass at St Dominic's, Newcastle.

In 1995 he became parish priest of St Wilfrid's, Gateshead, and from 2003 also of St Joseph's, Gateshead.

In 2005 he became parish priest of St Mary's, Forest Hall and SS Peter and Paul's, Longbenton until 2013 when he was sent back to Gateshead as parish priest once again of St Joseph's and St Wilfrid's.

In 2012 he was appointed Judicial Vicar for the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. His continuing interest in Latin led to his completing a PhD at Newcastle University in 2003 on book 2 of Prudentius' Contra Symmachum. He taught Latin at the University from 2003 until 2015. He continues to be interested in music, theatre and reading.

Since 2007 he has been chairman of the North East Catholic History Association.