Henry
Henry Rael
d. April 21, 2015
d. April 20, 2015
Henry J. Rael, age 93,  passed away at 5:45 AM, April 20, 2015. He was a complex man who lived what could have been multiple lives. He was born in August of 1921 and grew up in Cochiti pueblo, but wasn’t Native American. He was ordained and served for 20 years as a Catholic priest, but also worked as a high school teacher, embracing roles as husband, father and grandfather. Perhaps his truest vocation was as a nationally known composer of Spanish language liturgical music, and as the publisher of the first Spanish-language hymnal composed entirely of New Mexico music. Through it all, he was true to his faith, both in the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and in the power of prayer and service. To the absolute end of his life, he strove for salvation with a willfulness made possible only by deep faith. Henry is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla Rael, whose loving care kept him strong through his 93 years; his devoted daughter, Sarah Rael, who was instrumental in his care; his son, Jacob Rael and wife, Elia Perez-Rael, and their children, Mia and Lucas; his son, Henry Jr. and wife, Michelle Otero; and their children, Paloma and Enrique; and daughter, Linda Jaramillo and  partner, Chris Carter; his six siblings, Ofelia Romero, Lionel Rael, Diane Kroff, Arnold Rael, Viola Dominguez, and Eppie Rael;  and countless nephews, nieces and friends whose lives he touched. We will miss him deeply. Sic transit gloria mundi. Visitation will be Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna NW from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Mrs. Connie Orona.  Final visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2015 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Abbot Joel Garner, presider.  Pallbearers will be Michael Rael, Rudy Chavez, Pete Zamora, Luvin Contreras, Eric Rael, and Joseph Alfaro.  Honorary pallbearers will be Lucas Rael, Enrique Rael, and Louie Martinez. 
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Thank you,
The Gabaldon Family & Staff
Henry J. Rael, age 93,  passed away at 5:45 AM, April 20, 2015. He was a complex man who lived what could have been multiple lives. He was born in August of 1921 and grew up in Cochiti pueblo, but wasn’t Native American. He was ordained and served for 20 years as a Catholic priest, but also worked as a high school teacher, embracing roles as husband, father and grandfather. Perhaps his truest vocation was as a nationally known composer of Spanish language liturgical music, and as the publisher of the first Spanish-language hymnal composed entirely of New Mexico music. Through it all, he was true to his faith, both in the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and in the power of prayer and service. To the absolute end of his life, he strove for salvation with a willfulness made possible only by deep faith. Henry is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla Rael, whose loving care kept him strong through his 93 years; his devoted daughter, Sarah Rael, who was instrumental in his care; his son, Jacob Rael and wife, Elia Perez-Rael, and their children, Mia and Lucas; his son, Henry Jr. and wife, Michelle Otero; and their children, Paloma and Enrique; and daughter, Linda Jaramillo and  partner, Chris Carter; his six siblings, Ofelia Romero, Lionel Rael, Diane Kroff, Arnold Rael, Viola Dominguez, and Eppie Rael;  and countless nephews, nieces and friends whose lives he touched. We will miss him deeply. Sic transit gloria mundi. Visitation will be Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna NW from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Mrs. Connie Orona.  Final visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2015 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Abbot Joel Garner, presider.  Pallbearers will be Michael Rael, Rudy Chavez, Pete Zamora, Luvin Contreras, Eric Rael, and Joseph Alfaro.  Honorary pallbearers will be Lucas Rael, Enrique Rael, and Louie Martinez. 
To sign Mr. Rael's obituary, please scroll down and fill out the comment box.
Thank you,
The Gabaldon Family & Staff
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