A Bakersfield Catholic Church has lost it’s leader.

Monsignor Raul Sanchez died Saturday evening, nearly a week after suffering a heart attack during mass at St. Phillips. The man who introduced him to the priesthood, Monsignor John Harguindeguy, says his death was a shock and a big loss for the Diocese.

A vigil is being planned at St. Philip’s, along with a burial in Fresno.

Sean Michael Lisle