A funeral will be held in Canberra this week for Father Rafael Cabezon OP (1943–2023), who died on Sunday 22 July.

Father Cabezon was the Spanish chaplain in Canberra and a priest for the community in general. He was the chaplain of Merici College for some years.

Father Cabezon dedicated 55 years of his life to the Catholic church, a friend said.

Born in Burgos, Spain, on 14 May 1943, he was ordained a Dominican priest in 1968. He came to Australia in 1986. Although he served mainly in Canberra, he was also placed in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Sydney.

Father Cabezon died on 22 July, after battling cancer for two years. He spent his final year at Sir Leslie Morshead Manor (RSL LifeCare), Lyneham.

His funeral will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 207 Antill Street, Watson, on Friday 4 August at 10am. On the preceding Thursday, his coffin will be placed at the church; there will be a viewing from 6.15 to 7.15pm.

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