Fr. Rodillas: a faithful priest who loved to sing
Friday, Jan. 29, 2021
IC photo/Marie Mischel+ Enlarge
At the Jan. 20 vigil service for Fr. Reyato Rodillas, Bishop Oscar A. Solis blesses the priest, who died of COVID-19 about Jan. 8.
By Marie Mischel
Intermountain Catholic
SALT LAKE CITY Fr. Reynato (Rene) Rodillas, who died of COVID-19 probably on Jan. 8, was recalled as a faithful priest with a missionary spirit with a huge smile who loved to sing and garden.
Fr. Rodillas, who would have been 59 on Jan. 25, “lived the new life Christ graciously died and rose to give him as a priest,” said Deacon Scott Dodge at the Jan. 20 vigil service, celebrated at the Cathedral of the Madeleine by Bishop Oscar A. Solis; Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general; Fr. Ken Vialpando, vicar for clergy; Fr. Martin Diaz, rector of the cathedral; and other priests of the diocese.
Father Reynato (Rene) Rodillas, pastor of St. James the Just Parish, dies unexpectedly
Friday, Jan. 15, 2021
On Jan. 9, Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general, made the announcement of Fr. Reynato (Rene) Rodillas’ death on behalf of Bishop Solis and the priests of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Fr. Rodillas tested positive with the COVID-19 virus on Jan. 5 and was sent home from the emergency room with oxygen to quarantine and to recover at home, Msgr. Bircumshaw said in his announcement, adding that the date of death has yet to be determined by the medical examiner, but that it was probably on Jan. 8.