Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna Appoints Administrator Following Priest's Death
The Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna has appointed Domingo Miguel González Ruiz as parochial administrator for four parishes in Arafo and Güímar following the death of Father Simón Herrera García.
Spiritual care for communities in southeastern Tenerife will continue uninterrupted following a recent decision by the Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Bishop Eloy Santiago has appointed Domingo Miguel González Ruiz to oversee four local parishes, a temporary measure following the death of Father Simón Herrera García.
The appointment covers the parishes of San Juan Degollado, Nuestra Señora del Carmen, and San Andrés y Santa Rosa de Lima in Arafo, as well as the Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima community in neighboring Güímar. This move ensures that religious services and daily parish operations continue smoothly after the loss of Father Herrera García, who passed away at age 55.
The death of Father Herrera García, who had been battling cancer, has been deeply felt within the diocese. He had recently been tapped for a larger role leading the Sports Pastoral department for the 2026-2027 period.
Under canon law, appointing a parochial administrator allows a parish to maintain its sacramental and administrative duties during a vacancy. By taking this step, the Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna aims to provide stability for the local congregations as they mourn their former priest.