SAN ANTONIO – A funeral mass was held Tuesday for the man who led the Archdiocese of San Antonio for 25 years from 1979 to 2004. Archbishop Emeritus Patrick Flores was the first Mexican-American to become a bishop in the United States.
San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said that the late Archbishop Emeritus will be remembered for opening venues of opportunity, especially for the Hispanic community.
"He was able to say, 'While there is a heart in me, you will find home. And many people found a home in him," Garcia-Siller said at a news conference about an hour before a funeral Mass for Flores.
At the funeral, Garcia-Siller said Flores' death was "a loss of a wonderful, wonderful friend, shepherd, who was connected with the apostles, who served well. He was peace ... a people of God. He was a happy archbishop."
Garcia-Siller said that archbishops from across the country came to San Antonio to pay their last respects to Flores, who died Jan. 9 of congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
"Each person here has been touched by the heart of this iconic Latino archbishop who grew up in a family of migrant farm workers," Garcia-Siller said. "And he never forgot where he came from."
Hundreds of mourners braved chilly weather outside San Fernando Cathedral, where the funeral Mass for Flores was to be celebrated. Because the cathedral only seats 550 people inside, a tent and video screens were set up for 1,200 people to view the Mass outside on Main Plaza.
Among those who watched outside was Isaac Chavez and his mother. Chavez said he remembered Flores for being like a grandfather.
"I remember when I would hear that he would at other parishes for confirmation. I would go visit just to hear him speak," Chavez said. "He was a lovely speaker. So I remember his stories. He would always talk of the mommas and the papas, and he would talk about the family and the importance of family."
Albert Barbosa said he will remember Flores for his caring about people of all faiths.
"He was concerned for the whole city, not just for the Catholics," he said.
Carmen Silva said that Flores was a very caring person.
"He was honest. He was there for everybody. He had a big heart," she said.
On Monday, nearly 10,000 people paid their respects and attended a vigil. Following a special Mass for the Dead, dozens of groups took turns every 30 minutes reciting the rosary.
He was remembered as a man who was humble, at times humorous, and dedicated to serving those less fortunate.
"He showed grace and simplicity of life, solidarity with the poor, and solid commitment to social justice," said Garcia-Siller.
The mass closed with prayer and Flores' final procession out of the church, as his casket was escorted to San Fernando Cemetery number two.
Flores was the fourth archbishop to lead the archdiocese of San Antonio and served for more than two decades. He was the first Mexican-American bishop of the United States.