San Diego

Funeral Mass to Be Held for Local Priest, Community Leader

Rev. Henry Rodriguez Jr. was the longtime pastor at St. Jude Shrine of the West, in San Diego's Southcrest neighborhood.

A Funeral Mass will be held for a prominent local Catholic leader who was known for his work in the community.

Rev. Henry Rodriguez Jr. died suddenly on Aug. 4 from pneumonia. He was 61 years old. 

Rodriguez was ordained for the diocese on July 12, 1986 and spent his career serving in San Diego.

He served as associate pastor of St. Rose of Lima in Chula Vista from 1986 to 1989. He then became the associate pastor at St. Jude Shrine of the West in San Diego's Southcrest neighborhood in 1989, and later, in 1997, became the pastor there. He served as pastor until 2005. 

Most recently, he served as pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in San Diego.  

As a Church liaison, Rodriguez worked often with the San Diego Police Department and served as the chaplain for the SDPD and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. He also served as a chaplain at Mercy Hospital and hospice care. 

In addition to his work with the church, Rodriguez spent many hours volunteering in the community. He was a familiar face at local street festivals and special events, where he would often speak. Rodriguez served in a leadership role at the San Diego Organizing Project and worked with other community organizations. 

He also worked with the LGBTQ community in spiritual outreach. 

A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 10 at St. Jude Shrine of the West, located at 1129 South 38th Street.

A Funeral Mass will be held the following day at 10 a.m. at the same location. A burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

Contact Us