Statement from Archbishop John C. Favalora, Archbishop Emeritus of Miami

By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami

I first met Bishop Román when I was Bishop of Alexandria, Louisiana, and he came to Oakdale Prison to mediate the riots among the Cuban(Marielitos) prisoners. By simply calling them to prayer with him, he immediately brought peace and harmony. He also remained for a time to intercede with authorities on their behalf.

Besides being a peacemaker, he has been an authentic successor of the Apostles, a priest with the heart of Christ and a saintly spiritual father to so many priests, religious and laity. Bishop Agustín's life was a total oblation of love to the Father in union with and in imitation of Jesus.

The Church in Miami and beyond, the Cuban people here and on the Island, all of us have had the grace of knowing a genuine pastor of souls who daily poured out himself in witness of his episcopal motto "Woe to me, if I do not preach the Gospel".

Blessedly now, his priestly heart will find rest in the Lord and in his beloved Virgin of Charity, whose faithful steward he was.