THE OLD ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION SOUTH EAST UK

The Worldwide Family of Catholic Apostolic National Churches mourns the death of the Patriarch, Dom Luis Fernando Castillo-Mendez

Patriarch +Dom Luis Fernando Castillo-Mendez (Seated) with

Our Archbishop-Metropolitan, Bishops and visiting Bishops.

On the morning of October 29, 2009, at approximately 9am, His Beatitude, Dom Luis Fernando Castillo-Mendez, the Patriarch of the Worldwide Family of Catholic Apostolic National Churches passed away, at the age of 87.  Patriarch Mendez was the last living bishop, of the original bishops consecrated by former Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa, who founded the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church (ICAB). Patriarch Mendez was personally responsible for the spread of the National Catholic Church movement around the world, and is survived by the Brazilian Church, as well as the National Churches ministering to the lost sheep around the world.

Our own Archbishop Andre Queen SCR served as Patriarch Mendez’ Apostolic Delegate to the United States from 2005 to 2007, and the Patriarch himself consecrated (sub conditione) our Archbishop-Metropolitan and Archbishop Queen, to ensure a direct transmission of “Duarte-Costa” Apostolic Lines of Succession. His Eminence, Archbishop-Metropolitan Robert M. Gubala SCR, sent condolences on behalf of the entire Church to the Episcopal Council of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church (ICAB), which can be read here.

The Catholic Apostolic National Church received official notification of the Patriarch’s passing from the Episcopal Council of ICAB (translated from Portuguese):

“The church is in mourning, beginning at 9am today with the death of the Honorable and Reverend Dom Luis Fernando Castillo Mendez, who presided over the four seats, and Council proclaimed its patriarch and became, later, also Worldwide Patriarch serving all of the Catholic Apostolic National Churches who have communion with ICAB.

TheEminent Professor of the Diocese of Brasilia, which was the founder, died at 87 years of age, as of December 3 and leaves an example of tenacity, sacrifice, courage and determination, a deep and irrepressible yearning in all those deprived of their friendship or were directed by him and grazing. A great characteristic of Dom Luis Castillo was undoubtedly his indomitable courage, the strength he brought to the primacy of the church and the incredible ability he displayed, to build and manage knowledge, a born leader, a man geared to high-flying and high altitude.

Without him, the Church where she exisits, would not possess the assets that it holds today, because it has always been possible to notice, besides being a profound idealist, he has put love in everything realizou. He was a creator of dioceses, and in the history of ICAB, was the Bishop who developed carefully the hierarchy to ensure the continuity of certain ideals of the San Carlos of Brazil. Detractors have always shown a taste for pomp and circumstances, but Dom Castillo-Mendez, personally, was a man of simple life and deeds humility.

The Patriarch of the Church in Brazil was the third Bishop consecrated by St. Carlos of Brazil, of receiving, directly, his  apostolic succession. Working much of his life with the founder of the Church and did his best at a certain point of time, in fulfilling the mission to consecrate the followers of the Apostolic College left by Jesus in differentcountries, taking with them the principles of the National Church. For in recognition of this that, assembled in council, the diocesan and primates of several countries that joined the faith nationally elected and gave him the title of World Patriarch that he displayed with great care and was able to honorably execute until death.

The Mass will be celebrated BURIAL OF THE 10am THIS SUNDAY AT THE CATHEDRAL OF OURLADY OF MIRACULOUS MEDAL, OFFICE BRASILIA, a gathering of bishops, clerics,families and faithful from various parts of BRAZIL AND THE WORLD FOR THE LASTGOODBYE TO THE PATRIARCH OF THE CHURCH.”