Father Edward Herrera

Father Edward "Ed" Herrera, 59, went to sleep in Christ with his family by his side in El Paso, Texas on Saturday, January 28, 2012. He was born is Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 27, 1953 to Gavino and Ramona Chavez Herrera. Father Ed was raised as a devout Catholic and was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Albuquerque. As a child, he would "baptize" his sisters' dolls and provide "funerals" for all the neighborhood animals. At the age of 18 he began his ten years journey of preparation for the priesthood. He first studied for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and in 1986 moved to the Diocese of Las Cruces. After his studies at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon, he served as deacon at Holy Cross Church in Las Cruces. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1991 and served as a Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from June 1991 until January 1992 when he was assigned as Associate Pastor to San Martin de Porres Church in Sunland Park. On April 1 of that year, he was elevated to Pastor and served at San Martin de Porres until 2011 when he resigned for health reasons. Father Ed learned Spanish at San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where he gained fluency in the language. Survivors include his parents, Gavino and Ramona Herrera; two sisters, Mary Ellen Herrera and Lydia Duran; a brother, Ron Herrera and wife Audrey as well as numerous nieces, nephews and his devoted parishioners. Visitation for Father Ed will begin at 4 PM Thursday, February 2, 2012 in the San Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 1885 McNutt Road in Sunland Park. The Vigil Mass will be celebrated that evening at 6 PM followed by the Prayer Vigil. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Friday, February 3, 2012 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, 1240 S. Espina in Las Cruces with Bishop Ricardo Ramirez officiating. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, 100 N. Espina where he will be laid to rest. Serving as casket bearers will be Andres Duran, Joshua Duran, Donnie Herrera and Clergy of the Diocese of Las Cruces. "You can do very little with faith, but you can do nothing without it" – Samuel Butler. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers of "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com