Br Saraín Zenteno Hernández, OFM, of the Seraphic Province of Saints Francis and James in Mexico, returned to the House of the Father on 4 May 2023 at the age of 48. Friar Saraín was born in Copainalá, Chiapas, Mexico, on 30 November 1974, made his solemn vows on 2 August 2008 and was ordained a priest on 15 August 2009.
He graduated in pedagogy and education.
At the end of February, while he was in Siena, doctors diagnosed him with a bacterium, the cause of ensuing toxoplasmosis that affected his brain and psychomotor functions with severe damage that led to his death on 4 May.
In his Province, he had been Guardian and School Director. He founded the School of Faith with other brothers, an institute of theological formation for lay people. Since 2020, he worked as an auxiliary in the Secretariat of the Antonianum University in Rome.
Our brother was an intelligent, orderly person, prudent in his opinions and decision-making, firm and clear in his convictions, a man of prayer, calm and open to dialogue with all, with a profound faith vision on life and events.
On the afternoon of his death, in the Basilica of San Bernardino all'Osservanza in Siena, Mass was celebrated before his body was transferred to Mexico. The Eucharist was presided over by Br Ignacio Ceja, Vicar General of the Order, with the presence of the Rector of the Antonianum University, Br Agustin Hernandez and the Guardian, Br Miljenko Šteko. Also present were many friars from various fraternities, with a large number of faithful from the parish of San Bernardino.
We entrust this brother to the mercy of the Lord, praying for his soul to be received into the eternal peace of good and faithful servants.