Deacon Leandro "Andy" Y. Espinosa - Obituary

eacon Leandro “Andy” Espinosa was born on July 30, 1941 and died peacefully on the morning of January 27, 2022. He was predeceased by his grandson, Jerome, and is survived by his wife, Maria, 4 children and their spouses (Aloysius & Christine, Agnes & Ryan, Andrea, and Annalee & Gerry), 8 grandchildren (Leila, Ryan, Lani, Leena, Lynne, Louise, Maggie, and Soleil), and 7 siblings (Resty, Lynn, Edward. Jessie, Jun, Bayani, and Angie). Before becoming a deacon, Andy had hopes of becoming a priest and entered San Jose Seminary in the Philippines, in which he earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. After his time in the seminary, he felt that God had other plans for him. He then taught at Ateneo de Manila Grade School for 5 years. He met Maria later on during his graduate studies at University of the East in Manila. They got married on June 18, 1972, and raised 4 children. During a Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) he attended in 1999 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Marikina, Philippines, Andy once again felt the desire to serve the Lord through the Church. His active involvement in the organization allowed him to evangelize family, friends, and even strangers, which became his passion. Several years later, he was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate by Archbishop Donald Wuerl on June 28, 2008, and served at St. Columba Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Deacon Andy’s love for the Church was clearly manifested in his many inspiring homilies and charitable works. He has officiated in weddings, baptisms, giving communion to the sick and elderly in the community, among other things. He also started the Seven Last Words prayer service during Lent at St. Columba Church so others may more fully understand Christ’s sacrifice and love for his people. He was an advocate of life issues and stood up for the unborn during several pro-life marches in Washington, DC. And most importantly, he loved the Eucharist and always preached about the real presence of Jesus. Deacon Andy continued his work of evangelization through his website/blog (servusdomini.net) and his first book entitled, “You Are There”. Through these channels, he was able to share and compile his thoughts, experiences, and prayers from his everyday life. He was working on his second book, which hopefully will be published by his family at a later time. In everything that Deacon Andy did in his life, he has shown what it means to be a servant of God. He loved God, his family, and the communities in which he served. He has touched so many lives along his journey in this life. “Well done, my good and faithful servant”. May Deacon Andy’s soul rest in peace. “I look forward to coming home, to the moment when, please God, I will hear the most welcome words: “Come, blessed of My Father . . .” and then I will see Him face to face, having no more cares and no more tears and the trials of life over. This is the same prayer I have for you all!” -Written by Deacon Andy to his family on November 3, 2005 Relatives and friends are invited to Deacon Andy's Life Celebration on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD and again on Thursday, February 10 from 9 a.m. until the beginning of the Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD.