Father Rafael A. Ciro, pastor of St. Stephen Parish in Paterson, died in the Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. Father Ciro was ordained by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli on May 25, 2013, and served the parish families of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, St. Mary in Passaic, St. Nicholas in Passaic, and Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary in Dover before being appointed pastor at St. Stephen in Paterson.
Arrangements in the United States:
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m.
St. Stephen Parish
86 Martin Street, Paterson, NJ
Vigil Mass: 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025
Funeral Mass: 10 a.m.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
387-389 Grand Street, Paterson
(Parking will be available at Straight & Narrow, 410 Straight Street, Paterson, with shuttles to the cathedral.)
[Livestream link]
Private arrangements for the family will take place in Colombia.
Please keep Father Ciro, his mother, Doña Elena Guarin, his siblings, the priests of Paterson, and his many friends in your prayers, especially at the Eucharist.
Condolences can be sent to the Office of Clergy Personnel, c/o Saint Paul Inside the Walls, 205 Madison Avenue, Madison, New Jersey 07940.
Funeral arrangements for Father Rafael A. Ciro