Msgr. Rafael Marin-Leon

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

A funeral service will be held Monday, March 23, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6160 Cartwright Ave., North Hollywood, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Graveside service will be held at San Fernando Mission CEmetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, at 12:30 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to Gabriela Ornelas, 2175 Loma Vista St., Pasadena, CA 91104. Email: [email protected].

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/.