Msgr. Rafael Marin-Leon died Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was 79 years old.

Msgr. Rafael was ordained a priest for the Missionaries of Africa on April 15, 1978,  and was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on October 31, 2001. While serving as a priest in the archdiocese, these were his assignments:

  • Vocations Director, White Fathers House, Los Angeles
  • Director, Encuentros de Promocion Juvenil, Los Angeles
  • Administrator, Administrator Team Ministry, St. Patrick Church, North Hollywood
  • Administrator, Administrator Pro Tem, Ascension Church, Los Angeles
  • Administrator Team Ministry, St. Frances X. Cabrini Church, Los Angeles
  • Associate Pastor, St. Matthias Church, Huntington Park
  • Associate Pro Tem, St. Gerard Majella Church, Los Angeles
  • Pastor, Holy Family Church, Wilmington
  • Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Santa Barbara
  • Pastor, Holy Cross Church, Santa Barbara
  • Pastor, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Santa Barbara
  • Resident, St. Joseph Church, Carpinteria

In charity and kindness, please remember Msgr. Rafael in your Masses and prayers. To pray for our deceased priests and deacons, visit angelusnews.com/obituaries/.