Father J. Héctor Rangel Galván, of Mexican origin, belonged to the Catholic Church of Santa Ana in Clayton, North Carolina. The priest struggled for more than two months after suffering from several infections.
CLAYTON, North Carolina.- A Hispanic priest died of complications from the coronavirus after suffering the effects of the disease for more than two months, reported the Catholic Diocese in Raleigh.
Father J. Héctor Rangel Galván passed away on February 20 at around 6:18 pm Since December 2020 he suffered from multiple complications, later being admitted to a Smithfield hospital.
“Father Héctor ‘Tetus’ gave his whole being in the last two years to our parish. Not only to us but also to people from all over the world,” said Father Peter Grace on the social network Facebook.
The Mexican-born priest belonged to Santa Ana Catholic Church in Clayton, about 15 miles southeast of Raleigh.
Due to the effects of the disease, his oxygen levels dropped from 85% to 75% on Saturday. Despite medications to stabilize his blood pressure, the father was unable to overcome the virus after suffering from several infections.
“For two months the father has been fighting against covid and its trace of pneumonia and infection,” Grace shared a few hours before confirming Rangel’s death.
The Catholic Diocese in Raleigh reported that a vigil will be held on February 22 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in honor of the priest.
Funeral Mass will be on February 23 at 7 pm Address: 4057 US Highway 70 Business West, Clayton, NC 27520. Parishioners attending the ceremony must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
“Please note that during these days the parish church has a very limited capacity for the faithful to attend the funeral liturgies in person. Once the capacity is complete, the faithful will be invited to access the live broadcast of Mass, “added the Catholic Diocese in Raleigh.
The mass will be broadcast live on the parish website and YouTube channel. The remains of the priest will be taken to his native Mexico, where he will be buried.
More than 10,900 people have lost the battle against coronavirus in North Carolina, including about 766 Hispanics.
Amelia Warner
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