January 18, 2018

Beltran, Deacon Manuel A.

PERMANENT DEACON MANUEL A. BELTRAN

 1962 – 2018

Deacon Manuel A. Beltran, Permanent Deacon, Saint Martin of Tours Parish, Philadelphia died on January 17, 2018, as a result of cancer.

Deacon Beltran was born on December 24, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Antonio Beltran and Gloria Hernandez.  He is survived by his mother, Gloria, his wife, Becky, three children; Hazel, Emmanuel, Ferdinand, two brothers; Carlos, Luis, and a sister Evonne.  He was predeceased by a brother, Antonio; and a sister, Sandra. 

Deacon Beltran’s family relocated to Arecibo, Puerto Rico, when Deacon Beltran was very young.  He attended elementary school and high school in Puerto Rico.  Deacon Beltran and his family moved to Philadelphia 30 years ago. Deacon Beltran was a welder by trade, but in 2006, he became a supervisor for U-Haul.  He remained in that position until his was no longer able to work due to his illness.

Deacon Beltran was ordained on June 6, 2015, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. He was assigned to Saint Martin of Tours Parish, Philadelphia, where he remained.

Deacon Beltran was a musician and a choir member at St. Hugh of Cluny Parish, Philadelphia, and he sang at the Christmas Vigil each year.  He also went to the hospitals to sing and played hymns for the sick.  He was a part of the Hispanic Prison Ministry for approximately 20 years in Philadelphia where he played guitar and sang hymns to the prisoners.  He did this about once per month, and even continued this ministry while he was receiving chemotherapy.  In addition, for four years, he coordinated the Asamblea at Saint Martin of Tours Parish, he was the spiritual coordinator of SMT San Juan Pablo II Family Apostolate for the past five years, representing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida.

On January 21, 2018, Deacon Beltran, along with his wife, Becky, were honored at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul by being presented the Benemerenti Medal and the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, which is among the highest honors bestowed by the Holy Father on someone for meritorious service to the Catholic Church.

The Reception of the Body, and a viewing, will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Saint Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, beginning at 9:00 AM, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.  The principal celebrant will be Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.  The Deacon Assisting at the Liturgy of the Word and homilist will be Deacon Mark J. Kuhn. The Deacon Assisting at the Altar will be Deacon Jose Hernandez. Deacon Chaplains will be Deacons Andres A. Carrillo, and Deacon Jose L. Lozada.