On behalf of the University of Notre Dame, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of San Antonio’s Archbishop Emeritus Patricio Flores, who died Monday (Jan. 9) after a long illness. A priest for 60 years and the first Mexican American to be appointed bishop, Archbishop Flores’ special charisma and love for the poor was reflected throughout his life’s work. Starting out himself as a migrant farm worker, Archbishop Flores revered the dignity of work and the worker. His visit to Notre Dame was memorable in many respects, not the least of which was when he energetically joined students in singing Mexican ballads to the strings of the mariachi. Archbishop Flores was beloved. May God bless him and keep him.