Bridgetown diocese mourns death of Fr Alfonso

The Diocese of Bridgetown is mourning the loss of Fr Leonard Alfonso, a Trinidad-born priest, who died on the morning of July 27, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after a period of illness. He was 88.

In a statement issued to the faithful, Bishop Neil Scantlebury of Bridgetown expressed deep sorrow at the passing of the veteran priest, who earlier this month celebrated his 88th birthday. He also marked 40 years of priestly ministry this year.

The Bishop called on the faithful to keep Fr Alfonso in their prayers, and to especially pray the Rosary as Fr Alfonso’s love for the Blessed Mother “was well known,” the statement said.

Fr Alfonso’s life reflected a rich Caribbean journey of faith and service. Though Trinidad-born, he grew up in St Lucia and contributed significantly to education before answering his call to the priesthood. He taught at St Mary’s College in St Lucia and Queen’s College in Barbados.

He later pursued his priestly formation under the late Fr Henry Charles at the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs, Mt St Benedict. Fr Alfonso was ordained to the priesthood on April 4, 1986.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced “in due course”. —KJ