More than 1,000 pack San Sebastian Catholic Church to say goodbye to beloved priest

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The faces of those sitting in the pews inside San Sebastian Catholic Church spoke for themselves.

Many cried, others held each other as the man known as simply Father Rene, whose body lay inside a casket, was honored during a funeral mass.

Many agreed it was also a celebration of his life.

“It was the most beautiful celebration I've seen. Very beautiful. He deserved it, he was an amazing soul,” said parishioner Gita Carpenter.

It wasn’t all tears, there was also laughter. Especially when priest Timothy Lindenfelser, who lived with Father Rene for a decade, addressed his siblings.

“You brought him down to earth when he became cocky, especially when he moved to Florida and decided to start pronouncing your surname in French instead of English,” said Lindenfelser.

It’s been 16 days since Father Rene was murdered. Since then, the St. Augustine community hasn’t been the same.

But while his body is gone, many said his spirit lives on. Even in death, those who knew him said his teachings will always be remembered.

“Be good, be kind and love others. That was the thing that he preached,” said parishioner Henry White.

Law enforcement officers got a standing ovation at the funeral when Bishop Felipe Estevez thanked them for their efforts in finding Robert.

Father Rene's siblings said they will take the priest's body back to Waterford, New York,  where they will hold a wake on May 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home. On May 7 at 11 a.m., there will be another funeral at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. The Diocese of St. Augustine plans to send a representative to attend the services in New York.

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