In Memoriam: Fr. Antonio “Anthony” Ruiz Bailleres, LC | June 8, 1949 – June 8, 2024

Fr. Anthony Bailleres, LC, was called home to the Father’s house on the night of Saturday, June 8, 2024, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and his 75th birthday.  Earlier in the day, he celebrated Mass and his birthday with the community at the seminary of the Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Fr. Bailleres was born on June 8, 1949, in Silao, Mexico, to Salvador Ruiz Echeverria and Estela Bailleres Gonzalez.  He is pre-deceased by his parents, Salvador, Gabriela, and his siblings, Felipe de Jesus, and Manuel Federico. Mourning his loss are his sisters María del Carmen, María Dolores, and his twin María (Tana), as well as 23 nieces and nephews.

After joining the Legionaries of Christ in 1969, Fr. Bailleres completed his novitiate in the United States, then studied humanities in Salamanca, Spain. His internship took him to Ireland and the United States. He went on to complete his studies in Rome. He was ordained a priest on December 24, 1981, in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Rome, Italy.

As a priest, Fr. Bailleres returned to the United States, living in Rye, New York, and at the seminary in Cheshire, Connecticut, until he moved to Atlanta for three years in 2005 to serve as the Congregation’s Assistant for Religious Life in the territory. From 2008 until 2024, Fr. Bailleres served as a spiritual director for numerous Legionaries while living in the Legionary communities of Sacramento, Los Angeles and Wisconsin, before calling the community of Cheshire his home once again in the Spring of 2024.

For over 54 years, 42 of them as a priest, Fr. Bailleres was a beloved brother, mentor, spiritual father, counselor, a constant source of encouragement and joy, and a wise spiritual director for many Legionaries serving in various communities worldwide.  The lives he touched and the positive effects are too many to count, but each one experienced his personal attention and encouragement in sincere, dedicated, and ardent service. His deep love of Christ shone through to each person he met, joyfully encouraging them to immerse themselves in Christ as they pursued holiness.

He had a particular love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary was a constant source of hope and joy in his life. He was convinced everyone needed to know Mary’s maternal closeness and care.

Let us, as a community, pray for the repose of Fr. Anthony’s soul and thank Our Lord for the gifts of his life and priesthood.

Funeral Arrangements

Thursday, June 13th: Visitation from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Chapel of the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities, 475 Oak Ave Cheshire, CT, 06410. Livestream

Friday, June 14th: 10:00 am (EDT) Funeral Mass at the Chapel of the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities, 475 Oak Ave Cheshire, CT, 06410. Livestream

Burial immediately after the funeral at St Bridget Cemetery, 144 Higgins Rd, Cheshire, CT, 06410

Lunch to follow at the seminary.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities to help form future priests are gratefully appreciated.

Your prayers and remembrances are deeply valued. You are invited to sign our book of condolences here.