J. Wayne Hayes

Monsignor Hayes was someone whom this parish truly loved. He taught us how to love God and neighbor and how important it was to put this into practice. He was a true friend to all. He was one who walked in the "Splendor of Truth" that is Jesus Christ and taught well of Our Lord. May he now enjoy the eternal peace and joy that has been promised to all of us and may he continue to pray for us all.
May God bless you Monsignor with his love in ever greater measure and may the light of Christ...

I'll always remember how Msgr. Hayes took time from his busy schedule to visit my mother in the hospital when she was dying. He then celebrated her funeral Mass and burial with such thoughtful words that were a comfort to my family and me. I was a parishoner at OLV the entire time he was there and I will always remember him.

He performed our wedding at the Newman Center in Fresno. It was only later that we learned that he so generously had done it on the 10th anniversary of his ordination -
20 December 1969! It must've been an especially holy day because he imparted something special to our marriage as we are still together after 36 years. It keeps us chuckling to remember what one of our groomsmen claims Father Hayes said, (but we think it's apochryphal) "That's one of the strangest young couples I've ever...

Msgr Hayes has been not only a mentor but a friend who was always there when I needed advise, a shoulder to cry on, or just to talk. My daughter and I had the privilege of receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation from him. We were sad to see him go to Los Banos but happy for the parishioners there for they were blessed with his presence. Thank you Msgr for the joy you have brought our family. We have been blessed to have had you in a part of our...

So much of my life growing up involved OLV and that meant Monsignor. I left Fresno about the same time he left OLV and the church never felt the same to me without him. We were blessed to have him for as long as we did.

From the Newman Center to Our Lady of Victory Monsignor was a priest, a friend, and a mentor, I will always remember him in my prayers.

While serving as an alter server at OLV,I will never forget you,i'm confident the lord has you by his side.