The esteemed Cuban priest Valentín Sanz has passed away in Havana due to undisclosed causes. Born in Havana in 1951, Father Sanz served as a parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Baracoa in Santiago de Cuba and at the Church of La Merced in Havana. He was also a professional photographer. Hundreds of people have expressed their condolences on social media.
The Ermita de la Caridad in Miami commemorated his life dedicated to the service of God and his community on Facebook. "He was a committed priest, a distinguished photojournalist of papal visits, a parish priest in the hills of Baracoa, a prison chaplain, a theologian, and a tireless traveler. But above all, Father Sanz was a true humanist whose life and work touched countless hearts," they stated.
Father Sanz, from the Congregation of the Mission, known as the Vincentian Fathers, met and assisted many individuals who remember him with great affection and admiration. Antonio Rabilero from Baracoa knew him during his time in the Ciudad Primada and later maintained a good friendship with him in Santiago de Cuba, where he witnessed an intriguing anecdote. "He was a very cultured priest, so much so that he conducted a mass in Chinese at the request of specialists from that nation who worked on the last container terminal at the port of Santiago de Cuba," revealed Rabilero.
The Vida Cristiana magazine noted that the priest was a member of the Congregation of the Mission. "His ministry led him to serve passionately in various communities, leaving an indelible mark in San Joaquín and Baracoa. With his love for photography, he captured the presence of Jesus in the faces of the humble and in the beauty of creation," they highlighted on Facebook.
Yankiel Fernández, coordinator of the Aliento de Vida Humanitarian Project, described him as a "tireless missionary" and expressed his gratitude for Father Sanz's messages and his visit to his grandmother in his final days. "In these last days, I wrote to him daily on WhatsApp, and yesterday I didn’t. How foolish I was; I never imagined you would leave so soon. Your departure hurts so much; it is difficult to write right now, but it is something I owe you," he expressed on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Father Valentín Sanz
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the life and legacy of Father Valentín Sanz, a respected Cuban priest whose impact was felt by many.
Who was Father Valentín Sanz?
Father Valentín Sanz was a respected Cuban priest, a member of the Congregation of the Mission, and a professional photographer. He served in various parishes in Cuba and was known for his dedication and humanitarian efforts.
What roles did Father Sanz serve in his ministry?
Father Sanz served as a parish priest, a prison chaplain, a theologian, and a photojournalist. He was also known for conducting masses in various languages, including Chinese.
How did the community react to Father Sanz's passing?
The community expressed deep sorrow and shared their condolences on social media. Many highlighted his dedication, humanism, and the lasting impact he had on their lives.