The passing of Monsignor Rivas, the retired bishop of Barahona and a member of the Order of Don Bosco, was received with profound sadness by the many people who knew and respected him.
As the first Bishop of Barahona, Rivas became the voice that denounced everything that was wrong in his diocese: drug trafficking, human trafficking, contraband and abuses of the laborers in the area. He was often times threatened, but he never backed down. Politicians, religious leaders and civil groups are all mourning his loss, which came early Saturday morning to Jarabacoa, where he was living. His legacy of honesty, love and support for his flock will be long remembered.
One politician said: “Monsignor Fabio Mamerto Rivas was a good, consecrated pastor at the service of his people and of his Church… Although reserved and friendly he knew how to say many truths and to defend good causes.”
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El Dia
13 August 2018
