He offered this farewell message to the people of the Diocese:
My dearest friends,
As I conclude my pastoral ministry here in USA (43 years in the San Diego and San Bernardino Dioceses) after much consideration and prayer, I decided to move to Portugal this month (6/24/18) to be near my family and relatives to spend the last days or years that our Almighty has in store for me.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your many kind and generous expressions of love and support.
I am eternally grateful for all of you who have journeyed with me in my life as priest, pastor and friend.
May Almighty God Bless you all.
Prayerfully,
Fr. Tony