900 attend Despedida for Dominican Fathers

Corpus Christi Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey celebrated a Mass before some 900 people at St. Francis de Paula Church in San Diego on June 16 to say farewell to the community’s two longtime Dominican priests.

“We are eternally grateful to you. We will miss you and deeply thank you for all you have done,” Bishop Mulvey said before he invited the standing-room-only crowd to join him in applause for Father Epifanio “Epi” Rodriguez and Father Benito Retortillo.

Parishioners from St. Francis de Paula and St. Joseph Mission in Palito Blanco came to say goodbye to their two beloved priests, who will be returning to Spain on July 1. Also on hand was their Provincial Superior Father Javier from Spain.

Bishop Mulvey asked for those that had been married by either Father Epi or Father Benito, as their family in faith knows the two, to stand; and standing-room-only took on a special meaning. The bishop said, the two Dominicans–and their Dominican brothers before them–had brought the Catholic faith not only to San Diego but also to many surrounding communities.

While it was a sad occasion, it was also a time to rejoice. The bishop told the worshipers that the two priests had not only physically brought themselves from Spain but that they had brought Jesus Christ with them and shared Him “in word and deed.”

“They have transmitted to you a love of and for Jesus Christ. They brought you Jesus Christ,” Bishop Mulvey said. “They are passing you the torch of faith. Reflect deeply on what they have given you. Be reminded of so many things they have taught you. What they taught you, the faith they have given you, does not go with them, it stays here in this beautiful parish, in this beautiful part of the state.”

The bishop told the faithful that the mourning would pass but the “life of faith continues to grow.”

Father Epi has been in San Diego for 57 years and Father Benito for more than 32 years. The Dominican Province of Spain has recalled all their priests in the United States, due to a shortage of vocations.

A plaque recognizing the contributions of the Dominican Order will be placed in the Church. Fathers Epi and Benito each received a proclamation from the Texas Senate recognizing their contributions to south Texas.

After Mass, a luncheon reception was hosted at the parochial hall where a Mariachi entertained the large crowd.