By Joe Bedard | Novemeber 18, 2024
On Wednesday, November 6th, our community gathered for a solemn and beautiful Catholic Mass in memory of the priests who have passed away over the past year. This event was more than just a remembrance—it was a celebration of lives dedicated to service, faith, and the quiet heroism of those who chose to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
Our Lady of The Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino was filled with reverence as many Priest around our Diocese came together to remember their brother priests.
Father Tyler Tripp shared with me his thoughts on service stating, “Service is inseperable from the cross, to serve is to pour ourselves out and that’s what He (Jesus) did, and the imitation of Him as Priest, that’s really what we are called to do”.
Father Tyler Tripp’s reflection reminds us that true service, especially in the priesthood, is deeply rooted in sacrifice and self-giving love. By embracing the cross as Jesus did, priests embody a life of pouring themselves out for others, exemplifying the profound call to serve with humility and devotion.
One of the priests being remembered at the mass was Father Neil Fuller who passed away July 26, 2024. He and Father Tripp crossed paths at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini in Crestline.
Father Tripp spoke of Father Fuller saying, “It’s always hard to lose someone who has been a shepherd to the community”.
Father Tripp’s words capture the deep sense of loss that comes with the passing of a beloved priest like Father Fuller, whose role as a shepherd went beyond mere guidance to become a source of strength, comfort, and unity for the community. It is a reminder for us of the invaluable bond between a priest and those he serves.
One thing that stood out during this day of remembrance, was the unending brotherhood that comes within the priesthood. No matter what age a priest is, or where one came from, the fraternity is always present.
“There will always be the fraternity, to always come together as brothers”, Father Rafael Partida shares. “The blessings and examples that are passed on from each priests, the perseverance, the ups and downs. It’s never a romantic understanding of Priesthood, but rather a real life of highs and lows and these priests we remember today lived it”.
Priesthood is a journey marked by both joy and struggle, and that the priests we honor today embraced this path with unwavering perseverance, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift their fellow brothers.
Priesthood is a journey marked by both joy and struggle, and that the priests we honor today embraced this path with unwavering perseverance, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift their fellow brothers.
As seminarians, these young men seek advice from priests to nurture their discernment throughout their formation.
Seminarian Luis Angeles mentions “They set the example for many of us. During my internship, they are teaching me the ways of parish life, administration, and how to be pastoral. I look up to them, they are hardworking. As a young seminarian, it’s good to see how much they keep their spirits up. It’s motivation for me to continue to live this faithful life”.
May we always remember and give thanks for our priests who dedicated their lives to God’s service.
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