Rev. Joe Vigil

Rev. Joe D. Vigil died unexpectedly at his home on December 4, 2021. A rosary will be recited on December 28, 2021 at 7:00pm and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on December 29, 2021 at 10:30am at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1860 Griegos NW. The internment to follow after the mass. The main celebrant will be Archbishop John C. Wester.

Fr. Joe leaves behind his two sisters, Cecilia Vigil and Angelina Poulin, a brother, Juan Vigil and many nieces and nephews. Fr. Joe looked forward to the Grand Reunion in Heaven with all those who have gone before, especially his mother, Alviria Pohl Vigil, his father, Ruben Vigil and his sisters Veda Brooks.

Fr. Joe received his Bachelor degree in Business from the University of New Mexico and worked in the banking industry, but his heart called him to the priesthood. He attended Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and earned a Masters in Divinity. Ordained on June 21, 1980, his forty years of service included being assistant pastor at St. John the Baptist in Santa Fe, full-time administrator at St. Anthony in Questa, pastor at San Antonio de Padua in Penasco, pastor at Holy Ghost in Albuquerque and for the last twenty years of his ministry he served as the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Albuquerque. After serving for forty years, he retired in August, 2020.

Fr. Joe had a deep love for the Catholic church and his parishioners. He served as the New Mexico chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. Fr. Joe was dedicated to supporting the parish Knights of Columbus as well as congregants attending the ACTS retreats. He often paid the entry fees for someone that wanted to attend and needed some assistance. Fr. Joe was active with the Charismatic Renewal and supportive of the Hermanos Penitentes and their moradas. He walked as a peregino to El Santuario de Chimayo and dedicated the walks for more vocations.

Fr. Joe never lost the ability to have fun. He always had a joke and many of his homilies began with a corny joke. He enjoyed going to the thrift stores looking for little trinkets and treasures which often he gave away. An avid pool player he enjoyed a good game of one pocket and eight ball and participated in many tournaments. Fr. Joe loved having a good meal with friends, talking politics and current events especially as they related to the Catholic church.

Fr. Joe was a generous man and gave to various charities especially the homeless organizations. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Good Shepherd and/or any of the homeless shelters.

Our Lady of Guadalupe’s website will have more detailed information at www.guadalupeabq.com.

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