Father Michael Bradley

Father Bradley was assigned as a resident priest at St. Gertrude Parish in 2007. One of the initial things he realized was that a large portion of the parishioners were elderly and in need of help. Since 1995 Father Bradley has run 1-2 marathons a year as an opportunity to raise funds for worthy causes, including an AIDs clinic in Uganda, Catholic Charities of Chicago, Leukemia Society and Northside Catholic Academy. After coming to Edgewater his efforts have expanded to include the Heart to Heart Ministry, which reaches out to the elderly and those in need.

Perhaps his most shining moment was in October 2020 when the Chicago Marathon was cancelled. Father Bradley persevered and ran his own Edgewater marathon and raised $25,000 for Heart to Heart. Most of the time now he runs on his own by the lakefront and through the neighborhoods. On his wrist are a list of people he plans to pray for as he runs.

Father Michael Bradley

“To be able to have the energy and the ability to
give of yourself to other people is something that has
an impact throughout your life.
When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.”

Click here for the interview transcript and a short video.