Rev. Eugene Cañas, OMI, born San Benito, Texas on October 22, 1938, died in San Antonio, Texas on September 21, 2023 at the age of 85 years. Fr. Eugene professed vows as a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on September 7 1961, and was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1964 in San Antonio, Texas.

During his long ministry, Father Cañas served in Rome on the General Council of the Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, He was appointed Assistant General for the Rome Administration in 1986, a post he held for five years. Served for 8 years and was Rector when the present Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle National Shrine, San Juan, Texas was built. For six years was Provincial of the former Southern Province of the Oblates. While serving in Texas, he worked in parishes and as a professor of Spanish and Latin at St. Anthony's Seminary in San Antonio. Father has served as Vicar for Hispanic Affairs in the Denver Archdiocese, and has also been archdiocesan coordinator for the Monteria mission in Colombia. In 1998, after a year of sabbatical studies, he assumed the directorship of the Christian Renewal Center in Dickinson, Texas. He was then director of the Cursillo Movement for the Houston/Galveston dioceses. After which he served his brother Oblates at the Madonna Residence in San Antonio, Texas.

Fr. Cañas was preceded in death by his parents Eugenio H. Cañas and Estefana E. Figeroa and his brothers Reynaldo and Ramiro.  He is survived by brothers Ramon; Eduardo; Roberto; Hermerejildo; and Jose and sisters Frances; Maria; Magdalena; and Edna. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Fr. Cañas will be remembered with respect and esteem by his Oblate brothers and all the people who were recipients of his pastoral care.

Vigil Service and Rosary will be held in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, September 28 2023, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the same chapel followed by interment at Oblate Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Memorial donations in honor of Father Cañas may be sent to Oblate Madonna Residence, 5722 Blanco Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216.