Vol. 2, No. 2 Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019

Msgr. Robert Fuller, long-time pastor at St. Frances Cabrini, beloved homilist has died.

One of the first messages I received today informed me of the death of Msgr. Fuller.  I have not been in this diocese long enough to have known him well, but long enough to have heard many comments of love and gratitude from the many people the Monsignor met, taught and ministered to over his more than 60 years as a priest of our diocese.

His ministry and his words, I think, touched thousands of people with the comfort of Christ. He is and always will be much beloved in this diocese.

I was particularly struck by a comment sent to our Communications Department by Fred Allison, the former Communications Director in our diocese who knew and worked with Monsignor for decades:

"He was 'Father Fuller,'" Fred wrote.  "Whether in answering the phone or in introducing himself, I never heard him identify himself other than 'Father Fuller.' That speaks volumes about his priesthood. The honorific dimensions of the title 'monsignor' were not of any consequence in his priestly identity. His priestly life's emphasis was on being a gentle shepherd. In nearly three decades of knowing him, I never heard him raise his voice. And what a gentle and calming voice."

Thank you, Father Fuller. 

There will be a vigil service Thursday, Jan. 31 at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 3201 E. Presidio Road, at  7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., with interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Road.

For more information about our colleague's life and work please visit our website at www.diocesetucson.org.  There also is a link to a video of the Monsignor.

Msgr. Fuller is survived by a sister, Peggy Angelastro (Mike) of California; sisters-in-law Dora Fuller and Rose Marie Fuller; nephews Dr. Greg Fuller (Denise) and Robert Fuller (Sandy); great-nephews: Shawn and Alan; and nieces Sarena, Jennifer and Julia.  Monsignor was predeceased by brothers Milton and Cyrus, and by a sister, Nikki Marshall.

2019 March for Life: Recap

It was gratifying to join about 900 people that gathered at  St. Augustine Cathedral and then who followed Mass to participate in the annual March for Life.  It was great to see so many people, and gratifying to see the many young people also involved in this annual event.

It is important for us to remember that we are called to stand in protection of life. All life. Please recall that we are called to care for life at all stages from conception to natural death.  That means we also need to protect the lives of  young children, single mothers, young parents, those living in poverty without homes, those living without food or health care, those struggling to improve their lives and those who need the care of others.

Catholics are committed to the preservation of every person's life.

My thanks to the priests that joined me at this year's event; Fathers Domenico Pinti, Juan Carlos Aguirre, Showri Narra, Alonzo Garcia and Jonathon Fehrenbacher of the Institute of Christ the King.

Here are some photos from the Mass and March.

Photos by Iliana Gonzales Above, left, Bishop Edward Weisenburger giving his homily during the Mass. At right and below, participants in and outside of St. Augustine Cathedral before the March for Life.

Photos by Michael Brown Above, Marchers walking along Oracle Road toward Holy Hope Cemetery. Above right, from left to right, Bishop Weisenburger, Father Domenico Pinti, Father Showri Narra (bearded), Father Alonzo Garcia and Father Jonathon Fehrenbacher at the memorial ceremony

2019 Knights of Columbus Mass and Dinner with the Bishop

Sunday, we recognized Bishop Emeritus Gerald F. Kicanas and Father Robert Carney at the Msgr. Donald H. Hughes Assembly of the Knights of Columbus annual Mass and Dinner with  the Bishop. The dinner serves as a fundraiser for seminarian education and our Priest Retirement Fund.

The Assembly has raised more than $670,000 over the past 14 years.

 My thanks to the Knights of Columbus and to our two honorees.

Photos by Dcn. Clayton Nickel