In Memoriam: Fr. Antonio “Anthony” Ruiz Bailleres, LC | June 8, 1949 - June 8, 2024

Fr. Anthony Bailleres, LC, was called home to the Father’s house on the night of Saturday, June 8, 2024, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and his 75th birthday.  Earlier in the day he had celebrated Mass and his birthday with the community at the seminary of the Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Fr. Bailleres was born on June 8, 1949, in Silao, Mexico, to Salvador Ruiz Echeverria and Estela Bailleres Gonzalez.  He is pre-deceased by his parents, Salvador, Gabriela, and his siblings, Felipe de Jesus, and Manuel Federico. Mourning his loss are his sisters María del Carmen, María Dolores, and his twin María (Tana), as well as 23 nieces and nephews.

After joining the Legionaries of Christ in 1969, Fr. Bailleres completed his novitiate in the United States, then studied humanities in Salamanca, Spain. His internship took him to Ireland and the United States. He went on to complete his studies in Rome. He was ordained a priest on December 24, 1981, in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Rome, Italy.

As a priest, Fr. Bailleres returned to the United States, living in Rye, New York, and at the seminary in Cheshire, Connecticut, until he moved to Atlanta for three years in 2005 to serve as the Congregation’s Assistant for Religious Life in the territory. From 2008 until 2024, Fr. Bailleres served as a spiritual director for numerous Legionaries while living in the Legionary communities of Sacramento, Los Angeles and Wisconsin, before calling the community of Cheshire his home once again in the Spring of 2024.

For over 54 years, 42 of them as a priest, Fr. Bailleres was a beloved brother, mentor, spiritual father, counselor, a constant source of encouragement and joy, and a wise spiritual director for many Legionaries serving in various communities around the world.  The lives he touched and the positive effects are too many to count, but each one experienced his personal attention and encouragement in sincere, dedicated, and ardent service. His deep love of Christ shone through to each person he met, joyfully encouraging them to immerse themselves in Christ as they pursued holiness.

He had a particular love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary was a constant source of hope and joy in his life. He was convinced that everyone needed to know Mary’s maternal closeness and care.  

Let us, as a community, pray for the repose of Fr. Anthony’s soul and thank Our Lord for the gifts of his life and priesthood.  

 
Book of Condolences

 

Your prayers and remembrances are deeply valued. You are invited to sign our book of condolences here.

 
Funeral Arrangements

 

Thursday, June 13th: Visitation from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Chapel of the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities, 475 Oak Ave Cheshire, CT, 06410. Livestream

Friday, June 14th: 10:00 am (EDT) Funeral Mass at the Chapel of the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities, 475 Oak Ave Cheshire, CT, 06410. Livestream

Burial immediately after the funeral at St Bridget Cemetery, 144 Higgins Rd, Cheshire, CT, 06410

Lunch to follow at the seminary.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities are grateful accepted for the formation of future priests.

Enjoy this photo collage video of Fr. Anthony, called home by Mary on his birthday and the feast of her Immaculate Heart.

 

 

 

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Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!