Date of death: 12/5/2010
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1975
Father Raul Morales passed away in Mesa, AZ from cancer. Father Morales was born on May 19, 1927 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He was the fifth of eight children born to the late Eusebio and Catalina Morales. Father Morales moved to Los Angeles in 1949 to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Upon graduating he entered business, and in 1964 his business pursuits led him to the Phoenix area. Upon arrival in Phoenix he became a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Scottsdale. Although continuing his business career for additional years, it was during this period that he decided upon the priesthood and qualified for acceptance. During the fall of 1969, Father Morales entered St. Meinrad’s Seminary in Indiana. Upon completing his studies, he was ordained to the Priesthood on May 31, 1975 at the Cathedral of St. Simon and Jude, Phoenix. Father Morales celebrated his first Mass on June 1, 1975 at St. Catherine’s Church in Phoenix. He has since served the following parishes: Queen of Peace, Mesa, AZ; St. Daniel’s, Scottsdale, AZ; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Flagstaff, AZ and St. Anne’s in Gilbert, AZ. When not occupied by pastoral duties, Father Morales enjoyed walking and exercising his green thumb. He enjoyed people, and as we all know, he wore his smile very proudly. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2010 with Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church 1534 N. Recker Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at All Saint’s Catholic Church with burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery 1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204.Information provided by the Arizona Republic online.