On Oct. 8, 1991, Congressman Robert T. Matsui of California addressed these words to the House of Representatives:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great sadness to advise you that an outstanding citizen of Sacramento, California, Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, was tragically killed on Monday … in a vehicle accident.

“During his nearly 10 years in Sacramento, Bishop Gallegos was a forceful advocate for the concerns of Hispanics. He marched in solidarity with the United Farm Workers, opposed cuts in bilingual education, and worked with inner-city gangs up and down the state. 

“He worked tirelessly to steer Hispanic youth toward education and away from drugs and crime. Replacing such a beloved figure will not be easy. We will all mourn the loss of such a giving, dedicated, and exceptional man.”

Father Keith E. Canterbury, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Sacramento for more than 25 years and who served for 12 years as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Weaverville, died on Feb. 16. He was 90.

Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at a funeral Mass for Father Canterbury on Friday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, located at 2040 Walnut Ave. in Redding. A reception will follow the Mass. A vigil service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Redding.

A celebration of life, including a potluck lunch, will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall in Weaverville on Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m.

Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at Ash Wednesday services on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to begin the season of Lent, which is marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving. All liturgies will include the blessing and distribution of ashes.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is a day of fast and abstinence for Catholics. At Mass on Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes replicates an ancient penitential practice and symbolizes the faithful’s dependence upon God’s mercy and forgiveness.