In a Eucharist filled with silence, pain, and hope, the Archdiocese of Tijuana celebrated this Thursday the funeral rites of Archbishop Francisco Moreno Barrón, who passed away after a long illness. The Mass, officiated in the city’s cathedral, brought together bishops, priests, religious, civil authorities, and hundreds of faithful who paid homage to a shepherd described as «close, demanding, and faithful to Christ». The homily delivered by Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, president of the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM), evoked the life of the deceased prelate as a «grain of wheat» that dies to bear abundant fruit.
The Eucharist, which began in an atmosphere of recollection, reflected the impact of Moreno Barrón on this border marked by migration, poverty, and social challenges. Who passed away at 71 years old, after 46 years of priesthood and an episcopal trajectory that included positions in Morelia, Tlaxcala, and Tijuana, the archbishop left an indelible mark. Castro Castro, in his homily, invited those present to take a seat and dress «in silence before the mystery of death, in hope before the mystery of eternal life». He emphasized that the death of a bishop does not extinguish an institution, but consummates a total surrender: «He has concluded his earthly pilgrimage and entered into the Lord’s peace».
Inspired by the Gospel of John –»If the grain of wheat does not fall to the ground and die, it remains unfruitful, but if it dies, it bears much fruit»–, the president of the CEM drew a parallel between Christ’s Passion and the life of Moreno Barrón. «This logic of love that gives itself was that of a shepherd who gave his life for his people», he affirmed. He detailed his ministry: six years as auxiliary bishop of Morelia, eight in Tlaxcala, ten as archbishop of Tijuana, and a year and a half as apostolic administrator of Mexicali. «He did not seek to be served, but to serve; he did not live for himself, but for his people», emphasized Castro, recalling how he sowed unity in the Church, consolation among the poor, and hope in difficult moments for the homeland and the border.
The prelate highlighted the fruitfulness of Moreno Barrón, which remains in the priests formed, laity encouraged, and communities strengthened. «He accepted the dark hours, the fatigues, the pain of his illness, and the misunderstandings with a peace that springs from trust in Christ», he said. In Tijuana, a city of cultural crossroads and sufferings, the archbishop became a «bridge, embrace, and home». Castro personally testified to his love for the presbytery: «He demanded much of him, but loved him deeply». His episcopate was a «walking together» from service, not power, uniting consecrated persons, laity, the poor, and migrants.
Even in his agony, Moreno Barrón did not stop shepherding. «Until the last days, with a broken voice, he sent messages of encouragement to priests, families, and young people», Castro recounted. He assumed his illness as «part of the mystery of the cross», becoming a «Cyrene» who invited hope. The homily transformed the farewell into a «thank you» to God for a shepherd «with the smell of sheep», a man of prayer and deep faith, a Marian devotee who placed everything under the mantle of the Virgin.
The ceremony, presided over by Castro Castro and concelebrated by numerous bishops, included biblical readings and songs that evoked the resurrection. Civil authorities, such as representatives of the Baja California government, accompanied the Catholic flock. Faithful from Tijuana parishes filled the cathedral atrium, many with tears, remembering the archbishop’s personal gestures: visits to tired priests, welcome to migrants, and consolation to wounded families.
Castro closed by exhorting continuity: «Death does not interrupt communion, it transforms it». He called on priests to be «simple and close», on the people to pray for their shepherds, and on bishops to greater humility. «Providence will send another guide to consolidate the kingdom in Tijuana», he prophesied. Under Mary’s intercession, he asked for rest in peace for Moreno Barrón, whose voice «will continue to resonate» until the eternal encounter with the Good Shepherd. May he rest in peace.
The full homily can be seen here: