Monsignor DeStefano had a special place in our hearts. He blessed our marriage, celebrated our coming into the Catholic Church through RCIA, and baptized one of our daughters and one of our granddaughters. He was such a kind and understanding person and epitomized the priesthood. We will so miss him. Peace be with You..............
Robert & Rosie Barnes
Beaumont, Texas
Friday, April 2, 2010

As we celebrate "Holy Thursday", the day we solemnly commemorate the institution of the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Sacred Priesthood by Jesus Christ we prayerful remember at our Cathedral Basilica our beloved Msgr. Richard. As I morn the loss our beloved friend, brother in the priesthood and wonderful priest, Richard, we also celebrate his humble pastoral life life and our privilege to have him as our residence Papal Prelate of Honor here at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. Msgr. Richard was our "fatherly friend in Christ priesthood" and a compassionate priest servant to all of God's Children here on earth. May God grant Msgr. Richard's soul's eternal rest and may our Risen Lord comfort his family, friends, the parishioners of our Cathedral Basilica parish and the people of the Diocese of Beaumont with the hope of Christ's Easter Resurrection promise.

In prayerful love,
Msgr. Jerry McGrath
Pastor-Rector
and
The Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Team and Parishioners of Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, Texas
Thursday, April 1, 2010

Monsignor Richard will be missed a get deal. He was a friend to all who knew him. The LORD needed a new a new disciple and called him home. May he rest in peace.
Thursday, April 1, 2010

A good man, a good chef, a good friend
Thursday, April 1, 2010

To all who knew and loved Monsignor D., our prayers are with you:(
He baptized all of our children and counseled my husband and I prior to our marriage. Under his leadership I learned to serve as God intended us to, he was an amazing man and will be missed. May he rest easy in God's embrace
Thursday, April 1, 2010