Fr. Peter Coates, LC, Returns to the House of the Father

In a letter on March 13th, Fr. Carlos Gutierrez, LC, territorial director [of Mexico] shared the news that Fr. Peter Coates, LC had passed away.

Fr. Peter was originally from Ireland but spent the majority of his apostolate as a priest in Monterrey, where he helped many families to come to know the merciful face of Christ.

Among his apostolic efforts, his time as director of the Irish International School in Monterrey stands out from 1979 to 1985 and 2008 to 2014 as pivotal. A large number of students, now have their own families, received a Christian formation that invited them to become forces for change in the world.

“A great friend for many years. He accompanied us in his ministry, not only those of us who were his students, but also all the members of the family throughout the different stages of our lives.”

Carlos Güereca Lozano, former student, and parent

He was one of the primary founders of the apostolic works in Monterrey, starting in 1977 when he arrived in the city. He worked on the construction of the Novitiate of Monterrey and the center of formation for the consecrated women of Regnum Christi.

In his final years, he carried out his work as the chaplain of the CECVAC International School in Monterrey, in addition to serving as confessor and spiritual director in various communities of consecrated women of Regnum Christi.

“These two years working with him has been an experience of seeing how God captures and transforms the heart… Fr. Peter sought Jesus and gave Jesus to others.”

María Gálligo, Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi

His health gradually deteriorated due to cancer, and in spite of the professional care that he received; he did not respond well to the treatments.

Families, Legionaries of Christ, Consecrated men and women, and a great number of people were offering prayers for his health. His brother Legionaries from his community were accompanying him at every moment of his time at the hospital.

He now rests in peace, having fought the good fight in this world for the Kingdom of Christ.

For all those who would like to express a final message of gratitude for Fr. Peter, a digital pamphlet of condolences has been prepared in this link.

Biography

He was born on May 21st, 1948 in Newbridge, Leinster, Ireland. He was ordained a priest on December 24^th, 1976 in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Rome, Italy. He served as a spiritual director and confessor in different localities of Regnum Christi, such as Monterrey, Saltillo, Chihuahua, and Torreon. He managed the work of building the Novitiate of Monterrey, which opened in 1993.

He was twice director of the Irish International School of Monterrey, the first time from 1979 to 1985, and the second from 2008 to 2014. He was on the board of various apostolic and educational works. In his final two years, he was chaplain of the CECVAC International School in Monterrey, responsible for ongoing studies for the office of the territorial directorate of the North of Mexico, and confessor and chaplain of the communities of consecrated women of Encinas and Rosario.