Father Lorenzo was 85 years old and had been battling heart problems. Unexpectedly, at the end of last year, he underwent pacemaker implantation surgery in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, but did not recover. Returning to Rio de Janeiro, he was soon hospitalized again, where he remained for another two months. The priest's body is lying in state in Rio de Janeiro, and at 2 PM this Monday, there will be a funeral mass, broadcast on the Padre Eustáquio Channel. (Follow along here).

Lorenzo Arbeloa Arbeloa was the son of Jonas Arbeloa Rada and Pascuala Arbeloa Ibero. He was born on May 2, 1936, in Aibar, Navarre, Spain. He professed his religious vows as a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts on September 8, 1955, in San Miguel del Monte, Burgos, also in Spain, and was ordained a priest in Madrid, the Spanish capital, on St. Joseph's Day, March 18, 1961. As a missionary, he was sent to Brazil, arriving in Rio de Janeiro on March 30, 1962, where he died 60 years later.

In Brazil, Father Lorenzo worked in many parishes and in initial formation in Rio de Janeiro (in the communities of Tijuca and Campo Grande); in São José dos Pinhais and Curitiba, in Paraná, as well as Belo Horizonte-MG. In the capital of Minas Gerais, he was responsible, among other things, for the construction of the current headquarters of the Padre Eustáquio Daycare Center. In the Congregation, he often served in government positions as Councilor, Vicar, Vice-Provincial, and Provincial. His last lucid days, like his entire life, were a beautiful testimony of gratitude and joy, trust and fidelity. Knowing the procedures that were approaching, he entrusted his last farewell to Brother Vanildo Lima Sena, ss.cc., written on January 3rd, but which was to be published only after his death. See the full text below:

Lorenzo to his

Throughout these almost forty days in the ICU, a true Lent, many things happened within me. I was alone with myself and with God. Here it seems that time slips away, you can't tell when it's night or day. In this retreat I was able to meditate on many things, my mind raced between memories and meditations. Memories of my origins in the small town of Ayvar, among my family and friends. Memories of the beginning of my journey as a young religious among my companions and later my missionary assignment to Brazil as a young priest.

I was also able to meditate, recalling the beautiful passages from the Gospels, and in them how stupendous Jesus is, the way he reveals the image of a Father who is pure love and mercy. I remembered, meditated, and prayed. I was able to review my life, my mistakes and successes, like any other man, but how the Lord sustained me on the journey. From his bed, Lorenzo spoke with his Lord, reviewed his life, and in confession asked forgiveness for his sins.

Upon consecrating my life as a son of the Sacred Hearts, I knew that I no longer belonged to myself; my life would be dedicated to seeking God's will. When I was sent on a mission to Brazil, I was aware that I might not return to Spain, because from then on my home would be the mission, wherever it might be. I never forgot my homeland, but wherever I went I felt at home; I was always well received by my brothers in the congregation and friends.

Finally, I feel that after so many days of struggle and medical procedures, my strength is waning. I never imagined my health would end so suddenly, but I accept this fate with peace. I thank God for filling me with the gift of His peace. It is a great grace to live well and accept the outcome of this earthly journey. I have always been very clear that life is about serving others, because by serving them well, one serves God Himself.

A little more, a little less time, death is approaching, and with it the great encounter with my Lord. Like Mary, I can sing: "The Lord has done great things for me!", for everything I praise God! 60 years of mission in Brazil and here I will rest in the peace of the Lord. My thanks to everyone, to my brothers and family in Ayvar, Spain: Angelita and Felis; Jesus and Nieves; Teo and Joaquim; Maria Jesus and Jaime; Carlos and Maria de Jesus; Mari and Lourdes.

Also to my brothers and sisters in the Congregation, from Spain and Brazil. Together we fought for the Kingdom as Children of the Sacred Hearts, always in fraternal communion. With you I was able to walk, to be driven and moved by the strength of God. May the Lord continue to bless you in the SS.CC mission, which I understand to be one of life, merciful love, united in charity. And finally, to the Christian communities where I was one with you, walking in faith and hope: Tijuca-RJ; Belo Horizonte-MG; Campo Grande-RJ; São José dos Pinhais-PR.

To all, my deepest gratitude. I go in peace, with a joyful and grateful heart. I know in whom I believed! To the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, all honor and all glory!

Father Lorenzo Arbeloa Arbeloa, SS.CC.