New Mexican leaves lasting legacy despite short tenure as priest

Published: 2004-06-23

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (CNS) -- The essence of giving your life to God and others isn't measured in how long you're a priest, but how well you live the time you're given. For 372 days, Father Edward Rivera proved just that. Touching many lives, the 46-year-old Father Rivera lived his priesthood until June 14, the day he died of cancer. His death came a week after he reached the first anniversary of his ordination. "He was the first priest I've ever met who had time for everyone," said Father Richard Olona, pastor of Risen Savior Catholic Community in Albuquerque. "I'd never met someone before who gave total individual attention to a person's situation, whether they needed counseling, confession or an explanation," he said in an interview. "To him, it seemed the world had stopped as if you were the only one in the world."

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