Deacon Arias recalled as a loving, kind man of faith

Friday, Apr. 07, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY — Deacon Ricardo Arias, the director of the Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Vocations Office, lived a life that was “formed by glorifying God in everything he could do,” said Father Javier Virgen in his homily during the March 31 funeral Mass.

Deacon Arias died March 26. His funeral Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine was celebrated by Bishop Oscar A. Solis, who said that even though he had known the deacon only a short time, he was inspired by his faith in God and because he was unfailing in his ministry. “He died with his boots on,” the bishop said.

Concelebrating the Mass were Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general; Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general emeritus; Father Martin Diaz, rector of the cathedral; and many priests of the diocese. Many of the deacons also attended the Mass, as did many of the women religious who minister in the diocese.

“When Ricardo left us, it was really true that he lived on in the kindness he and Esperanza showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives,” Holy Cross Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski wrote in the newsletter for Holy Cross Ministries, where Deacon Arias’ wife, Esperanza, works. 

Having the couple as part of the Sisters of the Holy Cross family has been an honor and a joy, Sr. Mary Ann wrote. “When, for anything community-related, a person or group approached Ricardo and Esperanza Arias, the answer was “yes” with a smile. Always the smile, and the happiness to serve or help, listen or pray. It was a radiant and lasting smile, and one of the fondest memories of that willing and fun spirit was at the Holy Cross Ministries celebration of the Three Kings in January – los Reyes Magos. Every year in January, all of our work colleagues and their families are invited to a breakfast and a visit from the Three Kings. And yes, Ricardo was happy to be one of the kings, making a grand entrance to the delight of many children there, with bells, drums, tambourines, incense, music and a very hilarious entourage which preceded him.  Ricardo with the other kings greeted the children and gave them gifts. This magic went on until we ushered the kings out because the pancakes were getting cold. It captured the delight and joy we saw in Ricardo every time we visited, with extra happiness when other Holy Cross Sisters were in town for visits and went to see how he was doing – Sr. Veronica Fajardo, Sr. Suzanne Brennan and the many other sisters on staff and board who loved him and were praying for him in those last days.”

Fr. Javier Virgen, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish who previously served as director of the vocations office, recalled Deacon Arias’ unique raspy laugh, and said that humor energized the deacon’s spirit. “He based his life on the truth of God’s Holy Word, as opposed to collecting the things of this world for himself; he walked in faith, believing that he should give himself to others,” he said. 

Deacon Arias was born on March 4, 1953 in Cartago, Colombia. He and Esperanza immigrated to the United States in 1995, and he was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Salt Lake City on Jan. 24, 2004 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine by Bishop George H. Niederauer. He served as a deacon at the parishes of Sacred Heart, Saint Joseph (Ogden) and Sts. Peter and Paul.

Deacon Paul Graham, who sat beside Deacon Arias during the four-year diaconate formation program, said Deacon Arias was “the most gentle, kind deacon and friend I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I know he’ll be watching over all of us here in Salt Lake, watching over us and praying for us, as we will for him, continuing our prayers for him and his family and friends.” 

As vocations director, Deacon Arias was very dedicated and made sure the seminarians had everything they needed, said Fr. Jorge Martinez, who was ordained last year. “He was more like a father. … He was always very close to us.”

In Colombia, the Ariases were part of the marriage encounter ministry, and [Deacon Arias] was a good person with a very strong faith; he was and always will be an example to follow,” said Roberto Mercado, who is part of the Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Hispanic Marriage Encounter and a member of the Hispanic lay ecclesial ministry formation program.

Although the Ariases faced challenges when they emigrated, the deacon accepted those difficulties as a seed to be planted and nourished, said Deacon Carlos Cortez during the homily at the March 30 vigil service. 

“That seed flourished, and he touched many people, and in the heart of each one of us, living in us, is another seed of love,” Deacon Cortez said. “Deacon Ricardo followed Jesus with the example of his life. One of his biggest joys was to share the Gospel; that gave him lots of joy.”

Like Fr. Virgen, Deacon Cortez recalled Deacon Arias’ joyfulness. “One thing that I personally remember the most was his good sense of humor and his smile, a smile that showed kindness,” he said.

Deacon Arias always worked hard, said Jose Ramirez, a Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner. “For me it was an honor to have met such a loving and caring person as he was.”

“He was a man with a lot of faith. … He lived his faith together with his whole family,” agreed Beatriz Godina, an Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioner.

Deacon Arias is survived by his wife, Esperanza; their son, Juan Pablo (Shawntai); four grandchildren; parents Magnolia Martinez and Guillermo Arias, Sr.; siblings Maria Eugenia, Nora Elena, Carlos Eduardo and Martha Lucia; and a loving, extended family. 

He was preceded in death by his brother Guillermo.

Committal was at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Laura Vallejo contributed to this story.