+ FR. JESÚS MANUEL MORALES GONZÁLEZ, IVE

Our first Spanish priest has returned to the Father’s House

From  P. José Vicchi, IVE – Provincial Superior, Spain

Fr. Jesús Morales is our first Spanish priest, born in Tenerife, Spain. Before entering the seminary he was in the special forces of the Spanish Army.

He met our priests in Arico, Tenerife – in particular Fr. Benito Lagos who helped him discern his vocation. One time Fr. Jesús told me how he met Fr. Benito. When Fr. Benito celebrated Mass in El Río (Fr. Jesús’ town), he would always expose the Blessed Sacrament half an hour before the Mass. One time, Fr. Jesús (still a lay man) was praying before the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Benito went up to him and asked him:

– Do you know who that is? motioning to the monstrance.
– Of course! He answered, It’s Jesus Christ.
– And Fr. Benito added firmly, He died for you.
– I was speechless…he (Fr. Jesús) told me.

Later, Fr. Jesús told us that his vocational journey started then. He continued visiting Fr. Benito until he entered the Seminary. He was formed in the San Vitaliano Seminary in Segni (Italy). He always remembered the seminary as well as his formators and companions with great affection, including the people of Segni… “Segni is my home,” he would say.

He was ordained a priest on June 2^nd, 2012, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, by Cardinal Angelo Sodano. He was assigned to our community in Manresa (Spain) where he worked with great zeal and sacrifice until his death.

In January of last year (2019), Fr. Jesús had a heart attack while he was bringing Communion to the sick, whom he served with great care. A month later, on February 22^nd, he was diagnosed with cancer. From that moment he carried his illness courageously, without leaving his priestly apostolate of the spiritual care of the Parish of Our Lady of Vallduara (Manresa) as long as his medical treatments allowed it. It was remarkable how, even though very weak from his treatments, he tried to be on time for Mass and even prepared homilies in Catalan (local dialect) to preach to his parishioners.

Today, May 19^th at 9:00 AM, Fr. Jesús died having received Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum on several occasions. He has returned to the Father’s House. God, in His infinite mercy, granted him the grace of perseverance: he celebrated the Mass up until shortly before his death and he died as a religious, a slave of love to Mary and in the land of his mission “with his boots on”.

I want to thank all the priests, religious, SSVM sisters and third order members of our dear Religious Family for all the prayers and sacrifices offered. I also thank all those who helped Fr. Jesús in one way or another. I am especially grateful to Fr. Matías Vaylet (“the Monk” as Fr. Jesús affectionately called him) who accompanied him during this time with exquisite charity. I give thanks to his community: Fr. Herrera and Br. Aleman; also to Francisca “Paquita”, member of our parish for all her selfless help and caring service to Fr. Jesús; to Don Roman Casanova, bishop of Vic, for his paternity and closeness, as well as to all the clergy.

We pray for the eternal repose of our dear brother, Fr. Jesús and for the consolation of his family, particularly for his mother Secundina. May he remain in God’s glory and may the Virgin Mary, to whom he sang so often with his poetry, accompany him.

Fr. José Vicchi, IVE.
Manresa, Spain, May 19, 2020