Rev. Fr. Bonifacio Garcia Solis OP
(19 Jun. 1945-23 Oct. 2021)
Prior Provincial (1997-2001, 2001-2004, 2004, 2008; 2017- 2021)
Rev. Fr. Bonifacio Garcia Solis OP was born on June 19, 1945 at Santibáñez de Murias-Aller, Asturias, Spain and died on October 23, 2021 at Oviedo, Spain. A son of Our Lady of Rosary Province, Order of Preachers.
Throughout the history of the Province, Priors Provincials who had been re-elected had been quite few and those who were so indeed had left a mark in the life of the Province. Among those who can be counted in this group of brothers was Fr. Bonifacio Garcia Solis. He was not only re-elected but stands out among our superiors to have assumed the position as Prior Provincial for three consecutive terms and after a lull of 8 years once again served the Province as its major superior for another term of four years.
His death last 23 October 2021 shall indeed leave us bereft of his presence and his expertise among us but surely it is his moment to receive his long-awaited reward as a faithful and prudent steward.
With gratitude to God for the gift of Fr Solis to the Order of Preachers and to the Church, we recall some glimpses of his personality and legacy.
Upon hearing the news of Fr Solis’ death, a good friend of him wrote these touching words on him:
“Fr Solis was one of those larger-than-life figures that we only read in books or see in films. A first-class administrator, a dedicated priest and an excellent leader. Highly talented and gifted with relating to people, he was admired by many. He gave his whole heart in all his duties and in religious life – total dedication and without any consideration for his own comfort or convenience. Exteriorly, he seemed to be tough and aloof, but we all know that deep inside, he was gentle, caring and kind.
As Provincial, he had to travel a lot. However, he always took the cheapest route with great inconvenience to himself. I had never seen him rest or taken a holiday – he was happiest when he was working. He ate and drank sparingly and was always present for prayers and spiritual exercises. When he first stepped down as Provincial, he took over the task as novice master with great fidelity. He did very well – he lived out his vows exemplary. He once said to me, a good religious does not need a superior. He showed it to us.
Fr Solis now is in heaven praying for us, I am convinced. But the pain of his absence will always be felt by us. The world is a much poorer place without Fr Solis. May his soul rest in peace.”
One characteristic of Fr Solis as Provincial superior was his great love for the Missions, as well as his commitment for the promotion and formation of religious vocations. In fact, with an iron will and far sightedness, he zealously worked for the restoration of the Dominican missions in Asia, and other related projects, such as the presence of the Province in Singapore, the incorporation of the Venezuelan brothers into it, the beginnings of the Dominican mission in Myanmar and in East Timor, etc. Likewise, realizing that the future of the Province needed a cohesive formation centre to form brothers in the lifestyle and ideals of the Province, he re-established a common Novitiate and eventually an International Student House in Asia. He worked ceaselessly to help the missions seeking needed permissions from the ecclesiastical authorities. The great success of the project owes greatly to his prudence, his zeal and his foresight.
Many times at council or during moments of dialogue in community, we used to say that we were facing so many problems, but he would always tell us, “we are faced with many problems, yes, but these are problems about life, not of death.” These words became for us a sort of mantra to see the development of the Province and its many apostolic projects from the eyes of faith.
Despite his failing health, heavy with so many years of service to the brothers and the marks of ageing, Fr. Solis continued to serve the Province for the fourth time, finally passing the baton to a newly elected Provincial in the summer of 2021.
Beyond Fr Solis’ achievements and legacy, we remember with affection his brotherly love, as well as his generosity and his willingness to be of help to anyone who sought his counsel and his prayers. May his zeal and his religious fervor, no-nonsense wisdom and prudence inspire us to serve God and the Church in this same spirit.
As we continue praying for Fr Solis’ eternal rest, we join him in praising the Lord, in whom he believed, hoped and loved so much.Requiescat in pace our good brother Bonifacio Garcia Solis, OP.
Follow
