Diocese of Jefferson officials said Tuesday that Jimmy Janfro Jr., the priest-carpenter, missionary to Latin America and pastor of the Marrero Roman Catholic Church, died in a horrific carpentry accident at a store on the campus of the church.
The coroner's office said Janfro, 60, suffered traumatic injuries while operating a lathe, a machine that turns wood. Investigators suspect he died Monday evening.
The sheriff's office received an emergency medical call at the church around 9 a.m. Tuesday, sheriff's office spokesman Jason Rivardy said. Deputies found Janfro unresponsive and pronounced him dead at the scene.
“There is no suspicion of foul play,” says Rivardi.
Inform students
The campus is also home to the School of the Immaculate Conception, which was in session when the deputies arrived. Students in grades three through seven were informed of Janfro's death during a 2 p.m. assembly, according to an email Principal Kim DeMarco sent to parents.
“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Father Jimmy Janfro Jr. Our beloved pastor passed away in a tragic accident last night and was found this morning by ICS staff,” wrote DeMarco.
A prayer vigil has been held at the church at 6:00 p.m. and the school plans to provide counselors to teachers, staff and students throughout the week.
It was light
Gianfro was ordained a priest in 1992 and has served in several churches in the New Orleans area, including Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chase, St. Catherine of Siena in Metairie, St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell, and St. Jerome to Kenner. in Metairie
Amy Dudgeon said she met Gianfro through his work with the non-profit New Neighbor project, which teaches English to aspiring non-native English speakers.
"He had this kindness and grace that just came out of him," she said. "He was a gentleman and an advocate for the Hispanic community."
At St. Jerome, where he was ordained in 2006, Gianfro is not only the pastor but also the resident craftsman, working with parishioners to paint the church, replace carpets with tiles and hardwood floors. and paint the pews, according to the Clarion. the announcer for the Diocese of New Orleans newspaper. The 2013 report says, "He also created a side chapel dedicated to Mary, removed the wall between the church and the parish hall, and did the carpentry himself."
Gianfro also oversaw the Pontifical Missionary Society of the diocese and served as executive director of the Missionary Society of Children. Dajon said he led mission trips to Bolivia and Nicaragua.
Drew Brosch contributed to this article.
