Thanks, tears of gratitude for Fr. Diaz's ministry

Friday, Jul. 15, 2016

FILLMORE — The crucifix, candles and an altar transformed the social hall of the Territorial Statehouse in Fillmore into a fitting site for a Mass on July 10 as about 200 people from throughout Utah gathered to honor Fr. Hernando Diaz as he prepares to retire.

From Wendover and Tooele, Fillmore, Richfield, Beaver and Ephraim, Salt Lake City, Midvale and Kearns, former parishioners from his various assignments filled the social hall to overflowing.

 “Thank you for your presence here. Your visit here … coming to see me face to face — that means a lot to me,” Fr. Diaz said as he recalled his history as a priest coming to Utah from his native Colombia, where he was ordained in 1971. He served in the Diocese of Salt Lake City for 32 years.

His most difficult assignment, he said, was when he served the St. Elizabeth Parish in Richfield with the associated mission of St. Jude in Ephraim, St. Anthony of the Desert in Torrey and San Juan Diego in Gunnison, as well as providing services at Gunnison Prison.  

Serving the missions means a lot of driving, he said; from his current assignment as pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Milford, with his residence at St. John Bosco in Delta, it’s 110 miles to Salt Lake City; and to Fillmore is another 75-mile round trip.

He has made good friends everywhere he has served, and he has grown with them, he said. “I love them with all of my heart, wherever they are. My mind is full of gratitude. My heart is full of love and my life has a great hope to continue doing my job.” 

Nevertheless, he is ready to retire, he said. “I have been very happy with my life. I have never doubted the dignity of the priesthood or the importance of my job; helping souls, helping families. ... Thanks to God for sending me as a missionary in this land here.”

The first thing he will do after his retirement is official on Aug. 1 is to visit his family in Colombia, he said. When he returns, he will move to Salt Lake City, where he will help other priests by filling in where needed, he said. “The day then we stop moving, that day we start dying,” he said.

Several of those present spoke publicly about Fr. Diaz.

Mick Figueroa of Fillmore expressed his thanks to the priest for “saving me” and helping him bring him back to the church. “He helped me through the whole process … and now a year ago Feb. 1 I was able to once again receive the sacraments,” he said with much emotion in his voice. 

Ken Harper of Midvale called Fr. Diaz his “spiritual security,” and said he’s proud to call him a friend.  

“Father, I want to tell you that it has been a pleasure and an honor to have worked with you and to serve you,” said Sara Martinez, who presented him with a plaque. “We will never forget you. We will miss you but you’ll be always in our hearts. … Please don’t forget to pray for us.”

Antonia Alemán read a poem she had written about the holy hands of a priest that raise Holy Communion and forgive sins. She ended with, “Thank you, Father, for those hands.”

Because of Fr. Diaz’s encouragement, Leonard Reynolds had his marriage blessed by the church; the priest was reassigned before the process was completed, so “this is the first time Father has ever served me communion,” Reynolds said. Afterward, he said that it was a big moment in his life. 

“We are here today because you have been more than a priest for us,” said Martin Alvarado, from the Saint Marguerite community. “You taught us how to be kind, you taught us how to be one.” 

Sandra Barrera Beckstrand, who also is from Colombia, said tearfully that she considers Fr. Diaz a family member, and “I thank God for putting you in our path. I am going to really miss you and I thank God for you.”