Jan. 17 marked the one year anniversary of the death of Father Francisco Valdovinos, S.T., who was a beloved figure among the Hispanic community in the Coachella Valley. Fr. Valdovinos, who died of COVID-19, had used his influence in the community to tirelessly advocate for taking the pandemic seriously by getting tested and vaccinated.
For the one year anniversary of his death, his religious community, the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, organized a memorial Mass celebrated by Bishop Alberto Rojas at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mecca.
Bishop Rojas expressed grief over the loss of so many lives due to the pandemic and encouraged everyone to continue taking precautions. He pointed out that the life of Fr. Valdovinos is not just a memory, but a motivation to imitate his dedicated evangelical service.
After the Mass, the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity Superior, Father Francisco Gomez, presented some recognitions to give thanks for the pastoral work and support from the Riverside County Health Department and the Diocese of San Bernardino.