Fr. Trinidad Fuentez, Rector of St. Patrick Cathedral in downtown El Paso, passed away on May 4, 2021 at the age of 69. He had a great love for our Blessed Mother and was a dedicated priest. Fr. Trini was born in Pecos, Texas, on January 10, 1952 to Daniel and Joaquina Fuentez. He was one of 15 children.

Fr. Trini began his studies at St. Charles Seminary with Msgr. David Fierro (St. Frances Xavier Cabrini), and Msgr. Arturo Bañuelas (St. Mark). He went on to major semninary at Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Fr. Trini was one of a group of priests who came out of Pecos, several of whom were incardinated to the Diocese of El Paso. Some of the men are religious order priests or incardinated to other dioceses.

He served the Diocese of El Paso faithfully for over 40 years at St. Joseph’s, San Antonio de Padua, St. Joseph Mission in Fort Davis, Christ the King in Balmorhea, Santa Lucia, San Elceario, Most Holy Trinity, Queen of Peace, and St. Patrick Cathedral. He served as a Defender of the Bond at the Diocesan Tribunal, on the Presbyteral Council, Personnel Board and Finance Council, and served as Vicar for several vicariates throughout his priesthood. He was the Diocesan Vocation Director for six years, and was loved and respected by his brother priests.

Bishop Mark Seitz said in a statement, “The Diocese is in mourning for the loss of this beloved priest. We ask the entire El Paso community to pray for his soul and the souls of all faithful departed.”

Eternal rest grant unto him, 0 Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Details regarding his funeral and memorial services are forthcoming.

Photo Credit: El Paso Times