Father Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R. - Obituary

Ruskin Sabino Piedra, C.Ss.R., a member of the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help community in Brooklyn, NY, died at St. John Neumann Residence in Timonium, Maryland on December 22, 2024, eight days short of his 91st birthday. Born December 30, 1933, in New York City, he was the son of Francisco and Raimunda (Guerra). Baptized (May 10, 1934) and confirmed (November 3, 1940) at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Milagrosa (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal) in Spanish Harlem, he felt his first call to priestly life in this same church at 6 years old. His vocation was later cultivated by the Redemptorists at nearby St. Cecilia Parish and School. He attended St. Mary’s College Minor Seminary in North East, PA from 1948 to 1954. He made his novitiate at St. Mary’s College, Ilchester, MD, where he professed first vows August 2, 1955. He pronounced final vows at Mt. St. Alphonsus Seminary, Esopus, NY, on September 2, 1958, and was ordained to the priesthood there on June 19, 1960. Father Piedra made his tirocinium at St. Mary’s, Annapolis, MD from 1961-1962.

His first assignments were in the former Vice-Province of Richmond. He began at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Tampa, Florida (1962-1975 - 1969-1975 as rector) and devoted himself to ministry with Cuban refugees who at the time were arriving in the city in large numbers. He also took frequent trips to the San José Mission in Cuba, where he was able to celebrate the sacraments and honor his Cuban-American heritage. He began the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and was the first priest in the diocese to celebrate Mass in Spanish. His next assignment was to Opa Locka (1975-1988), but he also preached missions throughout Florida and the Caribbean, mainly among newly arrived immigrant communities. He was on the missions for 13 years. Always with concern for the spiritual wellbeing of Spanish speaking people, in April 1986, he put out a series of cassettes on prayer in Spanish. When Pope St. John Paul II visited Cuba in 1998, Father Piedra was able to concelebrate Mass with him in Havana. He never lost touch with his Cuban heritage.

In 1988, Father Piedra was assigned to Holy Family Retreat House in Hampton, Virginia (six years). While stationed there, the bishop requested that Father Piedra give special attention to the growing Mexican population in the Diocese of Richmond.

He returned to the Province of Baltimore in 1995 and, in 1996, began parish work at St. Cecilia in Spanish Harlem, where he had been an altar boy during his youth. He was there for fifteen months until Father Kevin Moley, then pastor of the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, invited Father Piedra to provide pastoral care to Hispanic parishioners. It was there that Father Piedra established the Juan Neumann Center, in 2003, which serves immigrants in need. His ability to navigate the government’s bureaucracy and court system allowed Father Piedra to accompany thousands of undocumented people in the hope of regularizing their citizenship status or establishing family unity. Though not trained as an immigration lawyer, he took several courses in the field, earning credentials as an advocate in 1998. He embodied the same zeal for immigrants as did St. John Neumann, after whom Fr. Russ named the center.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn celebrated Father Piedra's 25th anniversary of ministry at the Basilica on January 17, 2024, with a special Eucharist and reception, which coincided with his 90th birthday. The milestone led all to reflect on the profound impact that Father Piedra has had, particularly in his ministry dedicated to immigrants, marriage preparation, the accompaniment of families with children of special needs, and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA, especially in Spanish).

He is remembered in particular for his prayerfulness, zeal, gentleness, and goodness. He said in an interview a few years ago: “I am not a person who wants to sit here and twiddle his thumbs." No one would ever think that he did! No doubt why one confrere would write: "The people loved him, and he loved them." And another: "Many tears were shed yesterday by our people as they heard of Fr. Russ’s passing."

"Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of Your Lord." May Fr. Russ rest in peace.

All services in celebration of Fr. Russ’ life will take place in the Upper Church of the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on 5th Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. The schedule is as follows: Visitation and Wake will take place on Friday, December 27 from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM, followed by a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue from 9 AM to 10 AM on Saturday, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery at 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island, NY.