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Father Virgilio Flores Obituary
Father Flores is survived by his sister, Iris Flores Mora; a niece, Sonia Rojas Flores and by his Diocesan family.
There will be a funeral mass on Thursday evening, November 12, 2009 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Parish in Lordsburg. On Friday, November 13, 2009 there will be a prayer vigil and recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. in the evening at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Las Cruces and the mass of the resurrection will be celebrated Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the morning also at the Cathedral followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery adjacent to St. Genevieve's Parish in Las Cruces. The most Reverend Ricardo Ramirez, C.S.B., Bishop of Las Cruces, will celebrate the vigil and funeral masses. Priests of the diocese will join him in concelebrating the funeral mass in Las Cruces.
Father Flores came to El Paso in 1977 and was incardinated in the Diocese of El Paso in 1981. He was one of the original priests of the Diocese of Las Cruces at its inception in 1982. During his twenty-seven years in the diocese he was assigned to parishes over thiry times, serving in the communities of Las Cruces, Sunland Park, Jal, Anthony, Chaparral, Deming, Hobbs, Mesilla, Bayard, Santa Clara, Artesia, Dexter, Roswell, Lovington, Garfield, Truth or Consequences, Silver City, and most recently, Lordsburg. A true missionary, he lived a gospel life of simplicity.
Father Flores will be remembered as a devout and pastoral priest for whom service was a way of life. His gentle and joyous presence was very healing to those around him. A favorite among his brother priests, he was sought out for spiritual direction and as a confessor. Even in death he wished to continue to serve others by being an organ donor.
In lieu of flowers, Fr. Flores has requested that donations be made in his name to the Diocese of Las Cruces Priests Retirement Fund, 1280 Med Park Drive, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005.
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels 811 S. Gold Ave., Deming, NM 88030. Phone: 546-9671
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Father Virgilio Flores
Kasie
July 4, 2020
He was my best friend he taught me alot about life n respect n I learned alot from him I learnt how to love n be forgiving from him I learnt what it meant to trust someone from him I learnt respect from him he was the dad I never had n my best friend n I miss him every day he is missed rest n peace my friend u will never be forgotten.
Sonia Rojas Flores
November 27, 2009
On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank all of you for your kindness and support during a very difficult time for our family. The loss of Tio Virgilio has been very hard for us and we continue to realize just how lucky he was to have friends like you. Thank you for loving him so much. God bless you.
*
De parte de mi familia y yo quisiera agradecerles por toda su amabilidad y apoyo durante este tiempo tan difícil para nuestra familia. La pérdida de Tio Virgilio ha sido muy dura
para todos nosotros y continuamos dandonos cuenta que suerte tuvo el al tener amigos como ustedes. Gracias por quererlo tanto. Que Dios los bendiga.
_______________________________________
Gracias Tio por haber estado siempre ahi por mi, por siempre hacerme reir, por haber sido mi amigo, mi compañero, mi consejero y el mejor tio del mundo. Te extraño mucho…
Sonia
Connie Arambula
November 25, 2009
Oh our dearest dearest Father Flores! You were more than a Father to our church. you were our friend. our Angel!We were all so blessed to have known you,to have had you with us these few months. We will cherish our memories forever......
Bea Placencia
November 25, 2009
To my beloved friend of my heart and soul...my days are empty since you went Home to a place of peace where you will no longer be tired or in pain,I thank you for being in my life, everyday I looked foward to seeing you or getting that phone call,aye mijita,mi cerida secetaria como te nesesito.. we had such wonderful talks and spent time as we ate out at restaurants or at peoples houses together laughing at things that were funny to us. You, my dearest Father will be truely missed ,you left me with sooo many wonderful memories that will forever be engraved in my heart!even at the hospital as I said my last goodbye you had that little smirk and smile of peace, you always worried about everybody especially children.I will continue to help you by helping those in need because I know thats what you wanted me to do. That morning you left to Silver City ,you left me with so much joy and peace because you double blessed me saying I was gonna need it and now I know why....you were going HOME!!! But I found peace in hearing from Nino , the undersherriff that he talked to you and you were woried about not you, but those other 4 people in the car with you and your sister Iris told me that you had 4 people in your life that were in Heaven. your mom and dad, sister and brother and those were those 4 angels you saw that came to lead you Home.... I love you my dear dear Father Flores and I will never stop helping you my friend.You were always there for my family and I love you for that. Don't worry about me any more Im going to be ok cuz I know you will be looking out for me. We will all keep your memory alive as I know all those other communties you served will too. Keep all of those in Heaven laughing
and as I close I want to say....Until we meet again!!!! AMEN
November 17, 2009
Father, keeping you in my families heart, thoughts and prayers will not be difficult for your presence brought peace, tranqulity and joy to our hearts. I can still hear and see my daughter crying when you left Lordsburg see she was your alter servicer and she truly belonged then. You will be missed. FC-Lordsburg
carolina
November 17, 2009
Father Virgilio,
You were truly a gift to all of us who were surrounded by your presence. Your peace,love and passion for the Lord is undescribable. I will never forget the peace and understanding you brought to me during my times of loss and most difficult times. You will never be forgotten and will always remain in my heart. Thank you again for all you did!
Godbless you and your family with love
G M
November 15, 2009
When I think of Father Flores, I think of a kind ,calm, peaceful man whom made me feel that everything is going to be ok ! I truly beleive he is an angel he will be greatly missed in our town of Bayard. Father Flores watch over our town from the heavens above.GM
T M
November 14, 2009
Father Flores, you will be missed greatly by myself and so many other people. I will never forget, when I lived in Lordsburg, I'd meet with you on Saturday's to go over the mass readings for Sunday, as you wanted to make sure you pronounced every word correctly in English. Now living in Las Cruces, I will also never forget the last time I saw and spoke to you a few months ago at St. Genevieve's and we were supposed to have lunch together, but sadly, never did. Your smile and caring demeanor is how I will remember you. Thank you for touching so many lives and for just being Father Flores.
Jane Madrid
November 13, 2009
My deepest condolences to your Family, Father Flores. I Thank you, Father, for your kindness and compassion when my beloved husband, Isidro, was so sick. You told me you would keep him and me in your heart and in your prayers. ...and that you would not forget his name, because his name is the name of your home town. God bless you Father...Vaya Con Dios. From Your Friend.
Santiago (Jim) Gonzalez
November 13, 2009
"Father Flores, we will miss you. You were with us when my wife and our mother passed away. You gave her a beautiful service. Thank you, and we remember you on your walks by our house. You always had kind words to say." S (Jim) Gonzalez Family (Garfield, NM)
Santiago Gonzalez
November 13, 2009
"Father Flores, we will miss you. You were with us when my wife and our mother passed away. You gave her a beautiful service. Thank you, and we remember you on your walks by our house. You always had kind words to say." S (Jim) Gonzalez Family (Garfield, NM)
gloria
November 13, 2009
my deepest condolences for our priest he will be greatly misssed by all his people here in Deming he will be in our prayers. G C DEMING NM
G. M.
November 13, 2009
Father Flores , as I sit here and reflect on the feeling's I had when you were around our town of Bayard , I could only describe a peaceful ,gentle feeling. I truly beleive that you are an angel ,you will be truly missed by our community. Until we meet again .GM
Eileen & Robert Escamilla
November 12, 2009
Compadre, we will truely miss you. Our sincerest condolences to your family.
Melodie Escamilla
November 12, 2009
Nino, you will be greatly missed. You will always be in my heart and prayers. Love you always.
November 12, 2009
Father Flores, no words can express my gratitude for everything you did for me. Your words of wisdom and love comforted me and gave me hope. When my father was alive, you were his best friend and I thank you for that. My heart is broken and I will miss you beyond words but now I know that I have you watching over me from Heaven. Thank for your friendship. Give my parents a hug for me and tell them I miss them. REST IN PEACE
November 12, 2009
Father Flores was a kind and gentle person. He greeted each person, as if they were his son or daughter. Because he was so loving, it was so easy to feel at ease with him. He will be missed. May he rest until we meet again.
Renee Allison, Las Cruces New Mexico
November 12, 2009
Fr. Flores, I will miss you very much, you were always a light to all us. I was office manager at St. Francis Newman Center and there was never a time that I called you, when Fr. Marcos wasn't there, that you didn't respond to our call that someone needed you to visit at the hospital. You did it with such kindness, alway saying, Seguro que si voy aver el enfermo, mijita. God needed you to help there inn Heaven.
Your faithful friend,
Natalia Armijo, Silver City
St. Francis Newman Center
Martin Cordero
November 12, 2009
Padre Flores, gracias por tu amistad, y por ser guia a mi vocaciones hacia el Sacerdocio. Dios te bendiga siempre en el cielo. La familia Cordero te da las gracias por ser nuestro amigo.
Padre Martin Cordero, San Jose, La Mesa, NM.
November 12, 2009
Fr. Flores, You touched my heart when you were in Deming and I will never forget you and your kindness and your joyful spirit. We will miss you but rest in God's peace Father.
Marie Jasso
November 12, 2009
I would like to thank Father Flores for being in my life, he is true blessing to me, he handed me a rosary one month ago and said keep the faith mia, one day before his car accident he came to bless my house and he said mia i blessed your house i said thank you father flores he blessed me while blessing me a tear fell now i know why. Father Flores is a humble,caring, and i believe a man from our heavenly father, I will miss you Father you have really showed the true meaning of faith, My prayers to his family
Elizabeth Holguin
November 12, 2009
Father Flores, you will be missed. You brought love and joy into many parishes where I have attended and was so pleased to hear & see you give mass every time through the spirit of Christ. May you continue to be blessed eternally in the Kingdom of Heaven. Thank you for touching so many hearts.
Joey & Francine Ruiz
November 12, 2009
Father Flores was a Wonderful and Understanding person. He Never judged anyone. For that, he will be truly missed. we were all blessed to have known him. May he rest in Peace.
Cruz, Salazar, and Escamilla Family
November 12, 2009
We would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies on the death of Father Virgilio Flores. Please accept our condolences. He was apart of our family when he was at San Jose Catholic Church in El Paso, TX. Father was always in our hearts when he moved to New Mexico we were always in touch. Now he will be watching over us from above. San Jose Catholic Church, Cruz, Salazar, and Escamilla Family
November 11, 2009
Fr Flores
You will be missed very much. Our family is very grateful for everything you did for us. You were always there when we needed you. You will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May God have you in his glory.
MaryLou Marrujo and Family
Ernest & LouAnne Gallegos
November 11, 2009
Someone asked me to define Caring I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Helpful I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Just I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Charity I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Pure in Body & Soul I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Love I said Vigilio Flores. Yes Fr. Flores was all of thye above and more. He worked tirelessly to make all of us better people. He was like Superman here & there at the same time. I personally never heard him complain of not wanting to help. I could see he was tired but refused to not help or care for others.
There is a saying that if you convert just one person then you have accomplished your goal in life. Father Flores converted many and he still continues to do so. Fr. Flores left us with so many good thoughts and jokes that will last us a life time. I personally went to Tucson and thanked him on behalf of all of Lordsburg & the whole world for letting an instrument of God among us. Thanks again Fr. Flores on behalf of myself and my wife and all my family. He gave us many a times lectures to pray for our departed brothers. I will remember to pray that you Fr. Flores will intercede on my behalf to God Almighty.
I will close with this thought that Fr. Flores was a holy man among us. Thank you God for Fr. Flores.
Your Friend,
Ernest (Chico) Gallegos
November 11, 2009
Someone asked me to define Caring, I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Helpful, I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Just, I said Vigilio Flores.Someone asked me to define Charity, I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Pure in Body & Soul I said Vigilio Flores. Someone asked me to define Love, I said Vigilio Flores. Yes Fr. Flores was all of the above & more.He worked tirelessly to make all of us better people.He was like superman here & there all at the same time.I personally never heard him complain of not wanting to help. I could see he was tired but refused to not help or care for others. There is a saying that if you convert just one person than you have accomplished your goal in life. Fr. Flores converted many and he still continues to do so.Fr. Flores left us with so many good thoughts & jokes that will last us a life time.I personally went to Tucson & thanked him on behalf of all Lordsburg & the whole world for letting an instrument of God among us. Thanks again Fr. Flores on behalf of myself & my Wife & all of my family. He gave us many of time lectures to pray for our departed brothers.I will remember to pray that you FR. Flores will intercede on my behalf to God almighty.
I will close with this thought, that Fr. Flores was a Holy man among us. Thank you God for Fr. Flores.
Yours in Christ Ernest (Chico) Gallegos
St. Joseph's Lordsburg New Mexico.
Victor&Alejandra Martinez
November 11, 2009
He was family to every one he met and knew.We will miss his conversations and laughter.He will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.God Bless Him.
Juan Guillermo Zamora Chavarría
November 11, 2009
Con gran tristeza apunto mis condolencias por el querido Padre Virgilio, a quien serví en algunas ocasiones como monaguillo allá en San Isidro de El General junto con Enrique Quesada, entre 1968 y 1970. Igualmente le acompañamos a dar misa y dirigir procesiones por varias comunidades del Cantón. Recordaré con gran cariño su gran simpatía, don de amigo y consejero y jovial optimismo y respeto por todos, así como el cariño que le profesó siempre mi familia, en especial mi padre el Dr. Néstor Zamora Quesada, y a quien sé que le hubiera dolido muchísimo esta noticia. Paz a los familiares y a sus hermanos en la iglesia. Juan Guillermo Zamora Chavarría, San José, Costa Rica.
November 11, 2009
Con gran tristeza apunto mis condolencias por el querido Padre Virgilio, a quien serví en algunas ocasiones como monaguillo allá en San Isidro de El General junto con Enrique Quesada, entre 1968 y 1970. Igualmente le acompañamos a dar misa y dirigir procesiones por varias comunidades del Cantón. Recordaré con gran cariño su gran simpatía, don de amigo y consejero y jovial optimismo y respeto por todos, así como el cariño que le profesó siempre mi familia, en especial mi padre el Dr. Néstor Zamora Quesada, y a quien sé que le hubiera dolido muchísimo esta noticia. Paz a los familiares y a sus hermanos en la iglesia. Juan Guillermo Zamora Chavarría, San José, Costa Rica.
November 11, 2009
Mi nombre es Marco Ortega Ureña, soy de Costa Rica. Soy de la familia Ureña Gutierrez de San isidro de El General. Desde muy niño el padre Virgilio fue parte de mi familia y su muerte nos ha impactado de manera muy fuerte porque lo queríamos como a uno mas de nuestros hermanos. Padre que Dios Te bendiga.
MSRCO ORTEGA UREÑA.
Robert Ramirez
November 11, 2009
My life will forever be touched by Fr Virgilio. He has helped my family out a great deal and was a true friend of my wife. May God have him in his glory. Amen.
Vasquez Family
November 11, 2009
I did not personally know Father Virgilio; however, I did have the pleasure of hearing one of his masses. It was a funeral mass of a family friend and it was a beautiful and healing mass that Father gave on her behalf. During a sorrowful and difficult time, Father was able to subside the grief with his soothing and gentle words. My the angels joyfully welcome you to the Kingdom of Heaven. God Bless You!
Lupe Arias
November 10, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Lucia Valtierra
November 10, 2009
Father Flores- we will always have you in our hearts and prayers. It was great pleasure for me and my children to know you. Also my mother and father and the rest of my family. You made us laugh and feel good. Santa Rosa de Lima Church, The Valtierra and Flores Family.
Fr. Ricky Ordonez
November 10, 2009
You are loved, Padre Virgilio!!
Johnny and Clorinda Saenz
November 10, 2009
We would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies on the death of Father Virgilio Flores. Please accept our condolences. We are deeply grieved and bewildered by his unexpected death. He will always remain very much alive in the memories of all of us who loved and respected him for his warmth and spirit.
maria carrazco
November 10, 2009
Fr virgilio
We will miss you very much. Me and my family are very grateful for every thing you did for us. you were always there when we needed you. I know you will watch over us everyday.
The Carrazco Family
Baltazar & Rosa Dominguez
November 10, 2009
Padre Flores, GRACIAS por toda su bondad, sabiduria, humildad, cariño, y enseñanzas para seguir el camino para un dia conocer a Dios Nuestro Señor. En paz descanse. St. Joseph's, Lordsburg,NM.
Susan De La Riva
November 10, 2009
I will always have Fr. Flores in my heart. I visited with him on Sunday and his last words to me were his blessing...a beautiful remembrance.
The Avalos
November 10, 2009
Your family in you Garfield will miss
November 10, 2009
Vaya con dios Father Flores. Nos dejo muy bellos recuerdos. Le vamos a echar menos.
November 10, 2009
Father Flores helped so many people here in Grant County. He was sent to us when we needed him the most. God Bless you .
David Bergs
November 10, 2009
I was sad to hear of the death of Fr. Flores, I will remember him and his family at my Masses.
Fr. Dave Bergs
Puerto Vallarta, Jal., MX
November 9, 2009
I can just here Father Flores, "aye mija don't be sad, I am going to be with the lord. I'm ok." He will me missed
November 9, 2009
I will miss Father Flores very very much. He will always be in my heart. His memory will help me in my weak moments and guide me. God Bless Him.
November 9, 2009
What a beautiful soul God loaned us, he will be missed.
josie cruz
November 9, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Stephanie Johnson Burick
November 9, 2009
To the beloved immediate family of Father Virgilio Flores and his Diocesan family, my heart broke as I heard the church bells of San Albino tolling for you. Thank you, Father Flores, for serving your parish of San Albino, for serving our community of Mesilla who loved you so much and for providing me with the spiritual guidance and love that I needed and will never forget. Because of you, I understand more fully being humble, serving others and living a life of simplicity, love and spirituality. I know that the lessons you showed our Mesilla community were ones that our descendants chose for us years ago. May we, as humble and grateful people of Mesilla, continue your legacy.
With great respect, Stephanie Johnson-Burick, sixth generation from Mesilla
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