Remembering Archbishop Gomez with Rev.d Angela Palacious

I first met him in 1968 when he rode his bicycle to our hotel in Barbados to pay a brief visit to my parents. Who would have known that, years later in 1999, he would ordain me as a deacon—and the following year, as a priest—the first woman to be ordained in The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, shattering the proverbial stained-glass ceiling once again.

I was privileged to work with him following my ordination through the diocesan program 2000 and Beyond for ten years. I was also blessed to sit at his feet during his in-person Bible studies before COVID, and later to participate in his virtual classes. It was a further privilege to lead a few of those sessions on his behalf when he first became ill.

He was a wonderful man—an amazing mentor and a dear friend to my husband, Archdeacon James Palacious, and to me. It was always a joy to visit him at home. We knew that his faith was strong and deep, and that his ever-faithful wife was by his side.

We remember a man who is truly memorable—timeless in his gifts to our nation, the Communion, and the world. As we bid him farewell, we thank God for his faithfulness, his brilliant mind, and his global ministry. We pray that, being in the presence of our Lord, he will continue to intercede for us and inspire us to be faithful in our generation.

Condolences to his family, and to the entire Anglican family, Communion, and world as we grieve together.

God bless you, Archbishop.

+Rev.d Angela Palacious, Hospital Chaplain (ret.)