Priest who was San Diego icon for his ministry to homeless dies at age 80 Msgr. Joe Carroll of San Diego is seen in this undated photo. He died July 10, 2021, from diabetes complications. He was 80. (CNS photo/courtesy The Southern Cross) By: Denis Grasska Date: July 19, 2021 SAN DIEGO (CNS) — With his strong Bronx accent and sly smile, Msgr. Joseph Carroll was a San Diego icon. “Father Joe,” as he was far better known, was the president emeritus and namesake of San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages. After years of declining health, which saw the amputations of both of his feet as the result of complications of diabetes, Father Joe died in the early hours of July 11. He was 80. Father Joe once said his greatest accomplishment was helping others to see that the homeless are just “neighbors who need our help.” “When you take the name ‘homeless’ out of it … it seems to take the fear out of working with our neighbors in need,” Father Joe told about 800 people who had gathered at the Town and Country Resort & Hotel in Mission Valley in late June 2012 to celebrate his life and work. More at: Priest who was San Diego icon for his ministry to homeless dies at age 80 - Catholic News Service It's not a nice story to read that someone died but it is nice to read how he was committed to help these people. He helped put them up in "Father Joe's Villages" per the story. This "Deacon Jim Vargas" is mentioned in the story. The article also says this: Father Joe’s Villages owns and manages 10 buildings across San Diego County and provides support services and rental assistance to even more. Its most recent building, St. Teresa of Calcutta Villa, is a 14-story building expected to open next January. The building will include 407 units for more than 500 people and community space on every floor. Yes, the article mentions that maybe he will be put up for Sainthood. “Eternal rest grant unto them , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.“ Traditional Catholic Prayer See the article, it talks about how he was nicknamed the "hustler priest" for always hustling to get these things done, help the homeless.
