TEXAS
South Bend Tribune
South Bend Tribune Report
SAN ANTONIO — A former University of Notre Dame theology professor accused of sexually abusing a boy in the 1980s characterized his suicide as “a farewell gift” he hoped would “bring healing to anyone that (he) might have hurt.”
That is according to a suicide letter an attorney for the Rev. Virgilio Elizondo’s accuser released to the San Antonio Express-News, the paper reported Tuesday.
Elizondo shot himself in the head and died March 14, according to San Antonio police. Elizondo was found with a suicide letter nearby and his finger still on the trigger, the Express-News reported.
In life, the 80-year-old Elizondo had vehemently denied the allegations put forth by a San Antonio man in a lawsuit. The man, who has not been identified, lived in a San Antonio orphanage as a child. The accuser says he was the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of another priest, the Rev. Jesus Armando Dominguez, from 1980 to 1983. The accuser says he sought counsel in 1983 from Elizondo, who was then a priest at the San Fernando Cathedral, about what Dominguez had done to him, but Elizondo kissed and fondled him. The man’s lawsuit named both priests and the Archdiocese of San Antonio as defendants. …
Full text of Father Elizondo’s letter
FAREWELL
For the past several weeks I have had the blessing of having plenty of time reflecting deeply upon the mystery of my entire life. It has been joyful and sad, inspiring and disastrous. Many thoughts have come into my mind: beautiful and ugly, life-giving and death-bearing, silly and profound, virtuous and sinful, insight and blindness, I am grateful for all my life (80), especially for my 52 years of priesthood. God has been so good!
In spite of my sinfulness, I have lived a life totally dedicated to serving others – especially the elderly, the immigrant, the minorities and the poor. My trust in the absolute goodness, mercy and love of God remains steady, I am most grateful!!!!
Now, I am very tired, fatigued and empty. My body is falling apart, my knees are giving in, my kidneys are beginning to fail, and my eyes are fading and other complications.
How best can I be of service? At this time it is by offering my life as a final gift. I freely choose my moment and way of giving my life to others. This is not a suicide but a farewell gift. I pray that the gift of my life may bring healing to anyone that I might have hurt.
“Greater love no one has, then to lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
To anyone whom I have ever offended, I beg your forgiveness and mercy. It was never my intention to hurt anyone. My greatest pain is that I have hurt others, especially those I love the most. I am a sinner in need of forgiveness and mercy.
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