Archdiocesan faithful say a prayerful farewell and give thanks for the ministry and leadership of Archbishop José H. Gomez

The Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell for Archbishop José Gomez was celebrated by an overflow assembly of clergy, religious, parishioners and other admirers and friends at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Since his appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archbishop of Los Angeles on April 6, many have anticipated this opportunity to offer a prayerful farewell Archbishop Gomez's last major liturgical function before leaving for Los Angeles. He remains archbishop of San Antonio until May 26 when he will be welcomed by his new archdiocese at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Archbishop Gomez was the Principal Celebrant at the Mass. The Concelebrants were Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú, Archbishop Emeritus Patrick F. Flores, Retired Bishop Thomas J. Flanagan, and Bishop Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Fort Worth. After communion, several special gifts will be presented to Archbishop Gomez as tokens of gratitude and love by several individuals. The gifts included.

An original portrait in oil on canvas of the Most Rev. José H. Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio, by artist Lionel Sosa - presented by the artist and his wife, Kathy Sosa.

First-Class Relic of St. Anthony of Padua - presented by two seminarians of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Sketch of a commissioned bronze bas-relief relief by artist Anthony Visco; an original rendition of St. Joseph presenting the Christ Child to St. Anthony of Padua, presented by Father Tony Vilano and Mr. Jeff Jung of the Catholic Community Foundation

Bronze statue of Venerable Father Antonio Margil de Jesus, the Apostle of Texas - a gift from the Franciscan Friars of San Antonio, presented by Sister Teresa San Miguel, O.S.F.

A Spiritual Bouquet for Archbishop José H. Gomez from the faithful of the Archdiocese of San Antonio - presented by Al and Angela Notzon and family

A reception at the parish hall followed the Mass.