Monsignor Francis J. Smith dies; Served as Pastor at several El Paso Parishes

Staff Report January 24, 2020

Friday morning, the Diocese of El Paso announced the death of Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Smith at the age of 85.

“Our prayers are with the soul of Msgr. Smith. He was a pillar in the church of El Paso and served our Diocese with faith and love,” Patricia Lopez, Chancellor of the Diocese of El Paso, said.

Francis J. Smith was born in Chicago on May 20, 1934. He was the grandchild of Eastern European immigrants who came through Ellis Island and renamed Smith when no one could pronounce their family name.

Msgr. Smith was ordained on March 25, 1967, and incardinated into the Diocese of El Paso. He served at St. Joseph Parish as an associate priest, All Saints Parish as pastor, and St. Pius X Parish as Pastor.

During his service at St. Pius X, he recieved the honorary title of Monsignor.

Finally, at St. Raphael Parish, where he would serve the school and parish for 29 years. He also served the Diocese as the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.

Msgr. Smith retired as Pastor of St. Raphael Parish on the Eastside of El Paso in July of 2015.

Funeral services are as follows: Viewing at 1:00 pm and rosary at 7:00 pm at St. Raphael, 2301 Zanzibar, on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 and Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at 10:00 am at Saint Patrick Cathedral. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.