Remembering Father Virgil Cordano
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On Thursday, May 22, at a little after 5 p.m., Father Virgil George Cordano left his earth-bound body and headed toward heaven. The outpouring of emotional response since the Santa Barbara Mission’s long-time pastor died has been overwhelming, coming from passionate Catholics and non-religious folk alike.
As a tribute to his legacy, we present the following memories, collected from diverse corners of the Santa Barbara community. Please feel free to add your own memories by leaving a comment beneath these stories or by sending an email to letters@independent.com.
A Father Remembers
Father Maurice K. O’Mahony, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, remembers Father Virgil's warm welcome. Read story.
When the Heavens Wept
Fr. Virgil — for many of us in Santa Barbara, his name was a succinct answer to the question: Why am I a Catholic? Read story.
Father Virgil: A Love Story
After studying with Father Virgil for years, I came home from the Mission one day and told my husband that I was falling in love with him. Read story.
A Helping Hand Through Death and Divorce
Washington D.C.-based journalist Joan McQueeney Mitric remembers Father Virgil from the 1950s until today. Read story.
Writing Father Virgil’s Life Story
For almost eight decades, Fr. Virgil made his mark on our city by his unselfish service to the community as a spiritual and civic leader. Read story.
Father Virgil’s Memorial Service
Santa Barbara will come together to honor the legacy of Father Virgil Cordano at his funeral mass on Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m., on the steps of the Santa Barbara Mission. Read story.
The Vitamin for My Soul
Goleta's Barbara Gaughen-Muller remembers bad handwriting but great messages. Read story.
Never Ask the Wind
For Fr. Virgil Cordano, 1918-2008
Santa Barbara’s poet laureate reflects. Read story.
Virgil’s Last Altar Boy
From these final years of Fr. Virgil’s life there is an image of friendship, an afterglow of warmth to a life of service and devotion. Read story.
The Italians Remember
Anthony Dal Bello speaks for Santa Barbara's Italian community. Read story.
Driving to Danville at 4 a.m.
Thomas Loarie recounts the time Father Virgil drove to the Bay Area during to support his family during hard times. Read story.
At Home with the Angels
Summerland's Jolinda and Patrizio Pizzirani remember 33 years. Read story.
Honoring Father Virgil Cordano
Your Worship Reflects on the Death of a Spiritual Leader
Your Worship reflects on the death of a spiritual leader. Read story.
Father Virgil Cordano Dead at 89
Pastor Emeritus was the face of the Santa Barbara Mission
Father Virgil Cordano, the pastor emeritus of the Santa Barbara Mission, died on Thursday, May 22, at about 5:14 p.m. There will be a memorial service at the Mission on Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m. More funeral details inside. Read story.
Father Virgil on Peace
On the Beat
Father Virgil Cordano, pastor emeritus at the Santa Barbara Mission and often called Mr. Santa Barbara for his decades of community work, is seriously ill. Read story.
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