‘My dear Bishop, rest now’

By Fr Gregg Durham O Carm

In the early morning of September 27, my Ordaining Archbishop, Robert Rivas, was called home to his eternal rest.

These past few months have been challenging for him. Yet he continued to keep his spirit strong right to the end. And what a beautiful final few days he was blessed to have—moving from the hospital to a convalescent care facility and back to the hospital.

In His providence, God allowed him to return home to his family and spend his final hours surrounded by those he loved. I don’t think he would have had it any other way.

In the quiet moments, I sit grateful. I sit grateful for all the memories we shared.

I sit grateful for his ‘yes’ to becoming my Ordaining Bishop. I sit grateful for those personal moments we shared last year on the morning of my Ordination. I sit grateful for his accommodating spirit and his willingness to respond to every request.

I sit grateful for all the support, guidance, and advice he shared with me throughout these past few months. I sit deeply humbled by the respect and trust he always showed me.

My dear Bishop, rest now. Your earthly journey is complete, and God has called you home to be with Him and to receive the reward He has so lovingly promised.

May you rest in peace!

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