Catholic Priest Dies In New York From Coronavirus

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

The Catholic community in New York is in mourning after the death of Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay. The priest who was part of the Santa Brígida Church in Brooklyn died on Friday, March 27, after respiratory complications related to the coronavirus, becoming the first clergyman of the Catholic Church to lose the battle against this epidemic in the United States.

After the curfew imposed by the city, Father Jorge, as he was known, continued to carry a message of faith and encouragement to his parishioners by offering masses that were broadcast on social media from an empty church. In his last celebration he assured that he was not afraid of what was happening and that this moment was an opportunity to get closer to God.

"I am not afraid, I know the Lord is with me," he said during his last Mass on March 19, according to the New York Times. “There is no better time than this moment of trial, this moment of challenge, to fulfill our call to holiness. In these moments of trial and crisis, in these moments when we ask ourselves what will happen, trust in the Lord”.

That same day, the priest received news that he had been in contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus. However, the father who suffered from lung problems had no symptoms and was in good health and spirits. However, two days later he had to be hospitalized for respiratory problems.

“He immediately took his own measures. He went to his room and locked himself in,”parish vicar Joseph Dutan told the NY1 newscast. "This is sadness, I do not deny him, but at the same time I have a certainty that he was ready, he was not afraid."

Due to social restrictions, no funeral service will be held for the parent at this time. A mass in his name is expected to take place once the curfew is lifted in the city due to the health crisis.

Father Jorge was originally from Mexico City and had been assigned to the Diocese of Brooklyn about 10 years ago. He worked closely with the Latino community, especially Mexican immigrants, who, like him, left their country to live in the United States.