In a statement Sweeney noted that the priest, born in 1979 in Colombia, had been "faithful, joyful, and dedicated" since his ordination on May 25, 2013.
The deceased priest served at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Paterson, St. Mary's in Passaic, St. Nicholas in Passaic, and Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary in Dover before being appointed pastor of St. Stephen's in Paterson.
Speaking to Univision, María Rodríguez said that Ciro "was a very good priest. He was very well-loved; he had many people who loved him, even though he is no longer with us. We miss him."
A priest ‘is not exempt from illness’
In his statement, the bishop pointed out that “A priest is a human being, and none of us is immune to illness. Though most of us realize that physical illness can be fatal, we may not always realize that the same is true of other illnesses.”
“Father Rafael fought the good fight in his struggles with mental illness with the support and care of friends, counselors, and brother priests,” he emphasized.
Sweeney also noted that "profound desperation that insidiously led a person of deep faith to this earthly conclusion is impossible to comprehend. Therefore, we lift Father Rafael and his grieving loved ones and colleagues up in prayer for the consolation that only God gives.”
A call to hope
“Shaken to the core by this tragedy, our faith in eternal life through Christ is our light in darkness,” the bishop affirmed.
“No one of us can – nor will we ever – have complete understanding of Father Rafael’s fears and struggles. We do know that he fought with courage to find equilibrium and tranquility that would allow him to live with the peaceful heart for which he longed. The long shadow of this moment does not diminish the bright light of his spirit,” he pointed out.
“Grant him, Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace,” the prelate prayed.