The Reverend Monsignor David Gallego Fierro, 71, retired priest of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, was received into eternal life on Nov. 25, 2021. Msgr. Fierro, a native of Alpine, Texas, was born on Feb. 18, 1950 to his father, David H. Fierro and his mother Elodia Gallego Fierro.

Msgr. Fierro began his formation at St. Charles Seminary in El Paso. He then completed his priestly studies for major seminary at the Josephinum Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Sidney Metzger, STD, JCD (Bishop of El Paso from 1942-1978) on June 19, 1976.

In his 45 years of priesthood, Msgr. Fierro served as Chancellor of the Diocese of El Paso, Rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, Rector of St. Charles Seminary, Vocations Director, and pastor of many parishes around the diocese such as Santa Rosa de Lima, Mother Cabrini, St. Matthew, and Our Lady of the Light. Msgr. Fierro retired from active ministry in June 2021.

The vigil service, public visitation, and Liturgy of the Word Service for Msgr. Fierro were held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in El Paso on Dec. 1, 2021. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Cathedral in El Paso on Dec. 2, 2021, at 11 a.m. Msgr. Fierro will then be transported to his final resting place in Alpine where a memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 406 South Sixth Street, Alpine, TX 79830, on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at noon central time. There will be a visitation from 11 a.m.-noon preceding the memorial mass. A Committal Service will follow the memorial mass in Alpine.

Msgr. Fierro is survived by his brother-in-law Manuel T. Hernandez; nieces Sylvia Yanez and husband Frank, Lori Iverson and husband Christopher, Monica Fierro, and Anna Fierro, all of Fort Stockton, Texas; nephew Larry Hernandez of Midland; very dear friend Ben Favela and family of El Paso; great-nieces Lily Acosta, Iliana Yanez, Izabella and Amelia Fierro-Bolivar; great nephews David Acosta, Javier Yanez, Orlando Yanez, and David Yanez; and many cousins from Texas and California.

Msgr. Fierro was preceded to eternal life by his father David H. Fierro; his mother Elodia Gallego Fierro; his siblings David H. Fierro, Jr., Fred G. Fierro, and Evangelina Hernandez; and niece Norma Jean Hernandez.

In lieu of flowers, Msgr. Fierro’s wishes were that donations be made to St. Charles Seminary and to Fr. Yermo School.