With much faith and love, we regret to inform you of the passing of our beloved father, Deacon Francisco J. Brenes, who returned to our heavenly father on Saturday, October 9, 2021. He died from complications of COVID, united in prayer, alongside his wife of 53 years, Guillermina Indiana Brenes and his five children.
Francisco (El Chele) was born in Managua, Nicaragua on November 20, 1947 (73 yrs) to Gilda Brenes Fibla (dec. 2011) and José Adolfo Brenes (99 yrs). Francisco was the third of 10 children and is survived by his father, José Adolfo Brenes, his nine siblings, five children: Ella Moline, Milton, Francisco, Stephen and Michelle Brenes Wehlen, and 14 grandchildren. Francisco was not only an exemplary son, but he was very much a father to his younger siblings. He lived a life of service...a humble life. I would like to say that Francisco was the best dad, the best son, the best brother, the best accountant, a devoted and loving husband and a fantastic grandfather, but dad wouldn't like that. He strived for humility and sought to serve the Lord in everything he did, every single day.
He met the love of his life, Indiana and married in 1968. In 1978, with only $50 dollars to his name, Francisco left his family to immigrate to the United States in an effort to save his family from a Communist revolution taking place in Nicaragua. One year later, his family immigrated to the US to join him. Francisco worked in factory jobs until his English was strong enough to enable him to work in his beloved profession, accounting. In 1982, out of necessity, he became self-employed and started his beloved CompuAccount, an accounting and tax preparation business.
His mother Gilda (Nena or Nenita) as he would call her, struggled to raise 10 kids, but managed to have time to pray and read the Bible every single day. A mother's prayer, turns out, is very powerful. The seed of service was planted into Francisco at an early age. He heard the call to service several times. Jesus spoke to Francisco...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Francisco...and he listened. Our Blessed Virgin Mary spoke to Francisco...and he listened. Francisco lived a Cursillo en Cristiandad and the call to service grew louder; he heard it clearly, then he obeyed.
In June 2011, Francisco was ordained and was assigned to St. Finbar Parish in Burbank. A few months after being ordained, he had the privilege and honor to preside over the funeral service of his mother, Gilda. The diaconate was Francisco's calling. The word Deacon comes from the Greek word diaconos, meaning servant. I venture to say that Chele's greatest love and pleasure was to serve the Lord, His Church and His people. His ministry, bringing the body of Christ to the elderly and infirmed, funeral services, baptisms, proclaiming the Gospel, deacon Francisco loved every minute of it.
Either before or after his ordination, Francisco received the gift of vision. He would often see the silhouette of Jesus behind a lector or a priest as the priest consecrated the eucharist. He loved Padre Pio and like Padre Pio, Francisco was occasionally taunted and physically attacked by the evil one. He knew this was a burden, a cross that was his to bear.
God’s faithful servant was ready to join eternal life. Dad conveyed this to us and to his dear wife several times in the past two years. May our almighty Lord welcome "El Chelito" with open arms into heaven to rejoice alongside his dear mother.
Well done dad! A Christian life well lived.
--To pray for all deceased Priests and Deacons, visit www.angelusnews.com/obituaries
--Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyfuneralhomeburbank.com for the Brenes family.
A viewing will be held at Valley Funeral Home on Thursday, October 28th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Friday, October 29, 2021 a funeral mass will be held at Saint Finbar Catholic Church 2010 W. Olive Ave., Burbank CA 91506. Burial will take place at San Fernando Mission Cemetery 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills CA 91345. Family will host a reception at 4:00pm (Place is to be determined)
In Lieu of Flowers request to make a donation to Francisco's favorite charity
below:
Salesian Missions
2 Lefevre Lane
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914.633.8344
Ref: Dn. Francisco J. Brenes
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.6