REV. JOSE MARIA GUEVARA

Rev. Jose Maria Guevara, 82, a priest of the Diocese of Laredo and affectionately known as Padre Chema, passed away Saturday, Oct 07, 2023 in a local hospital.

Father Chema was born to Felix and Elia Guevara Guillen on April 10, 1941 in Mabykela Guevara de Hurtado, Ica, Peru.  Being called to the priesthood from an early age, he entered the seminary at the age of 13 years old. And was Ordained to the Priesthood on August 22, 1968 by Saint Pope Paul VI in Medellin, Colombia.  He began his ministry in the Church that would have him experience many memorable occasions during his many years of priestly service. Including concelebrating Mass with Saint Pope John Paul II at a world retreat for priest in Rome, Italy at which, while distributing Communion, one of the persons receiving the Eucharist from him was Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

On the occasion of his 50th Anniversary to the Priesthood he was present for a Mass celebrated by Pope Frances in Vatican City.

During his priestly ministry he was assigned pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City, Texas both for the Archdiocese of San Antonio and afterwards in the Diocese of Laredo.  And was later assigned as pastor of Saint Jude Catholic Church in Laredo until his retirement in 2023.

He will always be remembered for his untiring service to his ministry, his parishioners, his community and all persons whom he shared God's love with. And also as a caring and humble servant of the Lord, for his dedication to his prayer life together with his loving guidance and support of the souls entrusted to him, all of whom will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his sister, Mabykela Guevara de Hurtado of Huanta-Ayacucho, Peru. Cousin, Clorinda Castro of Lima, Peru. By his dearest friends, Jesus R. and Esperanza Mendoza and family and Rev. Deacon David A. and Alicia Gonzalez and family of Laredo, as well as Rev. Jose Luis Restrepo, Parochial Vicar at San Agustin Cathedral and Miguel Angel Cueto of Eagle Pass, Texas.

Father Chema will lie in state at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 2031 Lowry Rd., Laredo, Texas on Thursday, Oct 12, 2023. Visitation will begin at 8:00 PM and will continue throughout the entire evening and night until the morning of Friday, Oct 13, 2023.

A Mass of Resurrection was held on Friday, Oct 13, 2023 at San Agustin Cathedral, 201 San Agustin Ave. The main celebrant was Most Rev. James A. Tamayo, D.D., First Bishop of Laredo together with priests of the Diocese of Laredo as concelebrants. All persons attending were asked to meet at San Agustin Cathedral.

In keeping with the wishes of Father Guevara, a private cremation will be held at a later date. His Committal Services will then be finalized with an inurnment in his hometown of Huanta-Ayacucho, Peru.

PALLBEARERS WERE: Abel Gonzalez, Gustavo Maldonado, Miguel Sanchez, Juan Campos, Humberto Esquinca, Hugo Sanchez, Daniel Arevalo, Enrique Adreano,  Angel Luna and the 10413 Knights of Columbus.