By Angelique Ruhi-Lopez - Florida Catholic
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Father Jose Biain, fourth from left, poses with fellow members of the Tribunal staff, from left: Goretti Anthony, secretary; Msgr. Michael Souckar, adjutant judicial vicar; Roberto Aguirre, kneeling, case director; Father George Puthusseril, judicial vicar; Katia Arriaza, notary; Father Jude Ezeanokwasa, judge; Father Alvaro Pinzón and Father Mathew Thundathil, defenders of the bond; and Maite Lenoz, receptionist.
Photographer: FILE PHOTO
Franciscan Father Jose Biain, although retired from the Tribunal, continues to help at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Miami.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski held a luncheon in honor of Father Biain’s retirement in September.
Born and ordained a priest in Spain, Father Biain was sent to Cuba and was among the group of 132 priests — which also included Auxiliary Bishop Agustin Roman — who were expelled from Cuba in 1962. Father Biain was one of 15 Franciscan priests who were forced to leave Cuba, at which point he asked his superiors for permission to come to Florida to help with the exiled Cubans in the U.S.
When he arrived in Miami, he was first assigned to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Miami, and later also served at Epiphany, Corpus Christi, and St. Raymond parishes, as well as worked at the Tribunal until his retirement.
“There is an annulment process in the Church and as one of the canonical judges, I had to study each case and determine whether or not the marriage could be nullified,” explained Father Biain. “My work at the Tribunal was a ministry.”
Goretti Anthony, who worked with Father Biain at the Tribunal, said that though he is 87 years old, “his brain is as sharp as a tack.”
“The years can weigh us down,” said Father Biain with a chuckle in response to Anthony’s statement. “After 64 years of priesthood, it’s time for me to rest and enjoy a bit.”
Comments from readers
As a Sts. Peter & Paul parishioner it has been a joy and blessing to have you celebrating several masses and listening to your homilies. Thank you for your spirituality and the love you have for our Lord that you exemplify so genuinely. May God bless you always.
Cindy Perez
En el tiempo que lo he conocido como paroquiana de Sts. Peter and Paul, no puedo mas que decir que ha sido un ejemplo para todos. Su presencia ha sido una bendicion para nosotros y usted seguira siendo bendicido por Aquel al cual ud. le ha entregado su vida.
Con mis mejores deseos para un feliz retiro y miles de bendiciones,
Carlota E. Morales, E. D.
Sts. Peter and Paul School