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July 8, 2022It is with great sorrow that I share with you that one of our seminarians, Miguel Angel Perez Mendez, died early on Thursday evening, July 7th.
Miguel Angel was on a heart-lung bypass machine for approximately three weeks—a very long time for this form of life-support. He had suffered from Covid (which may not be directly related to his passing) this past December. He then had pneumonia in mid-winter at the seminary, for which he was temporarily hospitalized but appeared to recover from well. When he began to feel poorly again in late April, Fr. Jorge Farias travelled to the seminary to drive home with him. It was approximately a month ago that he was then unexpectedly hospitalized with pneumonia again and collapsed lungs. Sepsis and other medical issues created a catastrophic situation from which his body was unable to emerge, despite receiving the very best of medical care.
Miguel Angel’s mother travelled quickly from Mexico to Tucson approximately two weeks ago and, along with Fr. Jorge, has remained by his side.
Through the extraordinary help of many, we were able to celebrate the funeral Mass for Miguel Angel on Saturday, July 9, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral with interment following at Holy Hope Cemetery in the section mostly reserved for clergy. There was a 7:00 p.m. Vigil service for Miguel Angel on Friday, July 8, held at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish.
Please allow me to express a word of personal gratitude to Fr. Jorge Farias for his exceptional service in these very challenging days. He made extraordinary arrangements for the travel and care of Miguel Angel’s mother as well as staying at the hospital almost continuously. His quiet but generous witness is an example for us all.
I would note that Miguel Angel’s desire to be a priest and serve the people of our Diocese was his life’s goal. Kindly pray for the gentle repose of the soul of Miguel Angel, along with his mother and family as they grieve.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
+Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger
Miguel Angel was active on social media, using it as a medium for evangelization (@ElSemiMigue)
