Mario Farana ’66 devoted 54 years to the San Francisco Diocese, spending 32 of them as pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. After completing ROTC training, Mario served as an Army chaplain before entering St. Patrick’s Seminary and being ordained in 1971. In 1993, when St. Paul’s Parish was slated for closure, his determination saved it from the fate that befell many other churches. Over the next three decades, he oversaw the church’s earthquake retrofit, roof restoration, steeple cross refurbishment, school construction, and stained-glass restoration. Though never seeking the spotlight, Mario became a steadfast organizer, negotiator, and storyteller, beloved for his simple yet profound parables. He died on Aug. 5 2025.