In memory of Father Alex Gaitán, CMF

With deep sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of Father Alex Gaitán, CMF. We join his family and religious community in prayer and give thanks to God for his life and his deep commitment to his mission of serving all immigrants. May he rest in eternal peace.

We share the prayers and sentiments of the Claretian Missionaries USA-Canada Province:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Fr. Jose Alexander Gaitán Montes, CMF, who died yesterday.

Father Gaitán gave himself fully to serving migrants in Newark, New Jersey, walking alongside those detained at the Delaney Hall detention center. He poured out his heart for all those who felt overlooked and forgotten, following his vocation, hearing confessions, celebrating Mass, offering Communion, and bringing donations of food, clothing, Bibles, and rosaries to those who needed them most.

Please join us in praying for the eternal rest of Father Gaitán, CMF, for his family and for all those he served and the lives he touched.

Father Gaitán served as the Archdiocese of Newark’s Immigration Ministry Coordinator beginning in 2024. You can learn more about his life and ministry below:

New archdiocesan Immigration Ministry and coordinator support growing needs

Newark Priests Bring Faith and Hope to Immigrant Detainees

Newark Catholics offer prayer and witness at migrant detention center

Standing up for human dignity as Lent begins

Rosary service brings ‘prayerful, peaceful presence’ to Delaney Hall