On May 12, 2026, we gathered for the funeral Mass of Fr. John Monestero at St Justin, Martyr Church in Anaheim where he lived in residence. Fr. John had worked with the Office for Ecumenism and Inter-religion since almost the beginning of the Diocese in 1976. Even in retirement, he worked long and hard for our Office, for the parish and for the Diocese.

Fr. John was a close collaborator with me in all our dialogues. He was brilliant as a source of theological and historical material and facts. He was gentle, humble and passionate about the unity of Christ’s Church. His death will be sorely felt in our Office work and mission, but I rest at peace knowing that he is home now with Christ who he served faithfully and joyfully.

Fr Al Baca