Father Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F.

The Healer of Southern California

Aloysius Ellacuria was born on June 21, 1905, in Yurre, Vizcaya, in the Basque Country of Spain. He entered the Claretian Missionaries as a young man and was ordained in 1928. Two years later, he received his assignment: Southern California. He would spend the rest of his life there.

Father Ellacuria quickly became known for an extraordinary prayer ministry. Hundreds, then thousands, sought him out. Many reported miraculous healings after receiving his blessing or prayers. He was also credited with charisms of prophecy and reading souls, an ability to perceive the spiritual state of those who came to him. He exercised a ministry of deliverance (exorcism) under the authority of the Archdiocese.

Despite these remarkable gifts, Father Ellacuria remained a humble, obedient priest. He served faithfully in his Claretian community, celebrated Mass daily, heard confessions, and directed souls. He did not seek attention or publicity. The people came to him.

Father Aloysius Ellacuria died on April 6, 1981, in Los Angeles at age 75. He is buried at San Gabriel Mission. After his death, hundreds of requests for his canonization were sent to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Archbishop Jose Gomez referred the cause to the Vatican and appointed a postulator. He has been declared a Servant of God.

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