Your ways, Lord, are unknown to us, and today we ask You to grant us the wisdom to accept them. After the tragic death of Jose Alexander Gaitán Montes, CMF, we reflect on his life and his willingness to serve wherever God led him.
In 2013, he had been called to serve Hispanic parishioners at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. But it hurt him to see Burmese residents come to the church without finding a priest who could speak their language.
“They seek out the Church because it is a place where they can be restored and rebuild their lives in safety—something most have not known for a long time,” Fr. Alex said.
Fr. Alex Gaitan, CMF, learned that much of the Burmese Catholic liturgy was sung because, as he explained, “The Burmese believe the truth must be sung.” So, he learned the Mass in Burmese and sang the entire liturgy for them. That is how far Fr. Alex was willing to go to be a representative of Christ on earth.
“I knew him and was privileged to spend time with him during his ministry at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He made a huge impact on my life. Just before he moved to his next assignment, he gave me a book that he said he had treasured since his days in the seminary. It is now among my most treasured books: In Search of the Historical Jesus.”
—Victoria Nimmo-Walters
Fr. Alex earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs in Colombia. He worked and was building a life far from the clergy, but the call to religious life remained in his heart. Eventually, he left everything behind and came to the United States to join the Claretian Missionaries. He studied in Chicago and was ordained a priest.
His life experience inspired him to develop valuable ministries wherever he was assigned. During his time at San Gabriel Mission, he witnessed the fear experienced by undocumented parishioners and by legal residents who worried that their status could be taken away. In response, he joined efforts with the Department of Justice to help parishioners pursue U.S. citizenship.
Pastoral Migratoria
During his ministry at St. Anthony Claret Parish in Fresno, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a food distribution program that fed more than 9,000 people over nine months. At the same time, he was celebrating six or seven funerals each week, accompanying families through one of the most painful periods of their lives.
“I am truly saddened by the passing of Fr. Alex. He was a good priest who treated everyone with respect, and I am truly grateful for him. He was there when my father passed away and again when my mother passed away eight months later. I truly believe God sent him to us. I thank God for sending Fr. Alex to us. Love, prayers, respect, and gratitude are what I have for him.”
—Victoria Ann Barnes
Fr. Alex also served at the United Nations, observing and analyzing its procedures. He used his language skills to serve as an interpreter for people appearing in immigration court, helping them understand and navigate a system that could otherwise feel overwhelming and frightening.
“Fr. Alex had that spark and wisdom. He will truly be missed, and I didn’t realize how deeply he had touched my heart until his passing. This is a great loss for all of us. He has gone to the best place of all—our true home. God bless your soul, Fr. Alex. I know you touched my life and helped me become a better person.”
—Meaghan Kennedy
In Newark, New Jersey, where he served most recently, he gave his heart to serving those who felt forgotten. He would travel for an hour to visit the Sisters of Christian Charity, who provided him with food, rosaries, and clothing to take to immigration detainees at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center..
He had been appointed Coordinator of the Immigrant Ministry for the Newark archdiocese. He was one of the very few priests permitted to enter Delaney Hall. There, he brought the sacraments to detainees, carried messages to and from their families, and delivered rosaries, Bibles, food, and clothing. He led prayer groups and rosary with people inside and protestors outside. Most importantly, he offered a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and a friendly embrace.
“Fr. Gaitán gave himself fully to serving migrants in Newark, New Jersey, walking alongside those detained at the Delaney Hall detention center. He poured out his heart for all those who felt overlooked and forgotten, following his vocation, hearing confessions, celebrating Mass, offering Communion, and bringing donations of food, clothing, Bibles, and rosaries to those who needed them most.” Archdiocese of Newwark
The Lord called our brother home in an unexpected way. Fr. Alex Gaitan will be remembered as a man of God who placed the needs of others before his own—a man who not only shared the Gospel but lived it fully. He will surely be missed, but his life will continue through our memories, through the people whose lives he touched, and through the extraordinary service he offered to others.
“I will always remember the deeply moving Mass he celebrated at our parish, just one day before the Lord called him into His presence. He always served the Lord and those most in need with joy and enthusiasm, working tirelessly for immigrants. Until we meet again, Fr. Alex Gaitan.”
—Rosa Margarita
If you would like to learn more about his work in Newark, you can read more here:
- https://rcan.org/in-memory-fr-gaitan/
- Defender la dignidad humana al comienzo de la Cuaresma
- https://claretians.org/bringing-ashes-and-hope-to-immigrants-in-newark-ice-detention-center/
- Newark Catholics offer prayer and witness at migrant detention center
- Newark Priests Bring Faith and Hope to Immigrant Detainees
- Rosary service brings ‘prayerful, peaceful presence’ to Delaney HallNew archdiocesan Immigration Ministry and coordinator support growing needs
