OGDEN, Utah – A local Catholic priest died last week after testing positive for COVID-19.
Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general, announced the death of Father Reynato (Rene) T. Rodillas on Friday. He was 58.
Rodillas tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Jan. 5. He was later sent home from the emergency room with oxygen. According to Bircumshaw, Rodillas may have died on Friday, Jan. 8 but the date has yet to be determined by the medical examiner.
His exact cause of death has yet to be released.
Bircumshaw said Rodillas served in several cities in Utah, including Salt Lake City, St. George, Midvale, West Valley City and Bountiful, before he was appointed to Pastor of Saint James the Just in Ogden in 2019. He most recently served as the spiritual advisor for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.