Monsignor Leo E. Lucero

Monsignor Leo Lucero was called to join our Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 16, 2019. He was devout and dedicated to his vocation, he was loved, respected and admired by all who knew him. Born in Espanola, NM, on Friday, March 1, 1935. Leo was the youngest of three brothers. He received his calling early in his life, attending Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Santa Fe, NM and St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia. He was ordained as priest at St. Francis Cathedral by May 28, 1960. He was 25 years old. Leo began teaching as a professor at IHM Seminary. He became Pastor of St. Anthony Church in Pecos, then Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Cristo Rey Church in Santa Fe and finally San Felipe de Neri, in Albuquerque. Leo served many years in the capacity of Vicar General of the Archdiocese under Archbishops Robert Sanchez and Michael Sheehan. During those years he conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to countless young men and women throughout New Mexico. Under his administration, the historic churches of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe and San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque were meticulously restored to their present beauty.  He was a prayerful and faithful priest for 59 years. After retirement, Monsignor Leo continued to tirelessly work for the church, spreading the word of God and helping all he met. Although the family grieves the loss of their beloved family member and spiritual guide, they take comfort in knowing that Monsignor Leo will be celebrated in the heavens with the greatest of rewards for his selfless works. He is home. Monsignor Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Filiberto and Syria; brothers, Phil and Bobbie. He is survived by his sister in law, Mary Jane; his nephews, John, David and wife, Patsy, Phillip and wife, Rosie and their children, Heather, Summer, Rembrandt and niece, Anita. The family would like to invite all who knew and loved Monsignor Leo to join them in celebrating his life with a visitation that will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019, 5:00 p.m. and with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at San Felipe de Neri Church at 2005 North Plaza NW with a reception to follow. A Mass, presided by Archbishop John Wester and concelebrated with his brother priests, will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at Cristo Rey Catholic Church at 1120 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501 with reception to follow and burial at Rosario Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given in his name to The Catholic Foundation Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.thecatholicfoundation.org and/or the San Felipe de Neri School Endowment Fund in Albuquerque, www.thecatholicfoundation.org.