On Thursday, May 22, 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 nonreligious folk alike. As a tribute to his legacy, we present the following memories, collected from diverse corners of the Santa Barbara community. To share your memories about Father Virgil and to see other reflections, go to independent.com/fathervirgil. The community will be coming together on Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m. on the steps of the S.B. Mission for Father Virgil’s funeral mass. There is also a rosary service today, Thursday, May 29, at noon, and an evening prayer vigil tonight, at 7 p.m., both at the Mission, where his body will be lying in state until 5 p.m.
• Father Virgil: A Love Story by Saral Burdette
• When the Heavens Wept by John Zant
• Writing Father Virgil’s Life Story by Mario T. Garc-a