Father Lius Iglesias speaks with Bishop Edmond Carmody during the priest's 50th anniversary celebration in 2004.Father Iglesias died on November 8.

Father Luis F. Iglesias, 82, died peacefully on November 8 in the Padua Place in San Antonio.

He served in the Diocese of Corpus Christi for the majority of his life and was known for his love of the priesthood. “I never had any doubt about my vocation or trouble working as a priest. I was always happy,” said Father Iglesias during the 50th anniversary celebration of his ordination in 2004.

The same message permeated the homily given by Father Ray Yrlas at Father Iglesias’ funeral Mass on Nov. 13 at St. Mary Parish in Freer. Bishop Edmond Carmody presided at the liturgy which was attended by those touched by the life of Father Iglesias.

"The priesthood was the core of his being." said Father Yrlas, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Alice. "He loved being a priest."

A rosary had been recited November 12 at St. Mary and Father Iglesias' final resting place was at the Hahl Memorial Cemetery in Freer, Texas.

He was born on July 30, 1927 to Fernando and Maria Iglesias in Urbes, Asturias, Spain from a family of four brothers and four sisters.

He graduated from high school in 1945 from San Juan Baptista in Corias. He entered the Dominican Order in San Esteban de Salamanca, Spain where he graduated in 1950 with a major in philosophy, and then graduated in 1953 with a minor in theology. He was ordained a Dominican priest in Santander, Spain on August 2, 1953.

Father Iglesias served in both Texas and the Dominican Republic. While in the Diocese of Corpus Christi he served in Laredo, Alice, Benavides, San Diego, Freer, Mathis, San Patricio, Premont and Corpus Christi. He was incardinated to the Diocese of Corpus Christi in June 1993.

On August 2, 2004, he took part in a double celebration in the community of Freer. Father Iglesias, celebrated his 50th anniversary of his ordination at the new St. Mary' Church he had built. And, among the well-wishers were Iracelia and Ruben Benavides whom Father Iglesias had married 39 years ago in Benavides that same date. "I really feel it's wonderful it happened on this day," said Iracelia, at Fr. Iglesias'celebratory reception.

During that celebration Bishop Carmody reflected on Father Iglesias' long vocation. "We thank you for the 50 years you've given to the people. You've really made a difference," said the bishop.

Former Diocesan Vicar General, Msgr. Thompson said he felt proud of the years he was privileged to be associated with Fr. Iglesias. He said when he had to travel with the bishop, "Father Iglesias was always capable, willing and able to say Mass for me."

Two of the Dominican sisters serving in the diocese came to St. Mary's to show their appreciation for everything he had done for them. Sister Paz Oribon described Father Iglesias as "our favorite, our benefactor, our guide."

He was preceded in death by his parents Fernando and Maria Iglesias; two brothers, Jose Iglesias and Manuel Iglesias; one sister, Emilia Iglesias.

Father Iglesias is survived by one brother, Fermin Iglesias; two sisters Amelia Iglesias and Sister Maria Soledad Iglesias, O.P. and numerous nieces and nephews all residing in Asturias, Spain.