Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

The Longoria family has resided in Tucson for five generations, maintaining a long-standing tradition of serving the Catholic Church. In 1911, Bishop Henry Granjon invited Juan Longoria to relocate from Texas to Tucson to become the artist at St. Augustine Cathedral. Since then, members of the Longoria family have served every bishop.

At 92 years old, Juan’s grandson, Deacon Leo Longoria, continues his service to the Catholic Church. He reminisces about assisting his grandfather and his own experiences as an altar server. One significant memory for Deacon Leo is from 1945 when churches worldwide rang their bells to mark the end of World War II. In Tucson, a 13-year-old Leo ran to St. Augustine Cathedral and received permission to ring the bells in celebration until he was exhausted. Reflecting on this memory, Deacon Leo acknowledges the importance of bells in drawing attention to the sacred and recognizes the significance of bell ringers.

The Longoria family remains active in serving Tucson's Catholic community through various initiatives. Last year, Deacon Leo established a charitable endowment with the Catholic Foundation to support its service projects. Inspired by their daughter Veronica's compassion for others, Deacon Leo and his late wife Anita sought a way to share this inspiration with future generations. This endowment perpetuates the Longoria family's legacy of service.

“I have seen God’s goodness shine brightest in two very special people: my wife, Anita Figueroa, and our daughter, Veronica,” said Deacon Leo. “God blessed Anita with immense creative talent and Veronica with an unwavering child-like faith. They are the ‘spirit of generosity’ behind the Deacon Leo and Anita Longoria Family Endowment, having lived lives full of love and service.”

This year, Deacon Leo hosted the first annual Campanario Banquet at the Bishop Kicanas Pastoral Center to benefit the endowment fund. The event raised $15,000.

"Behind the 86 endowments the Catholic Foundation holds are stories of people who bring tremendous passion to their giving," said Elizabeth Bollinger, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson. "Most importantly, their enthusiasm inspires friends and family members to learn more, get involved, and give."

Deacon Leo expressed gratitude towards the Catholic Foundation for helping them establish a “lasting legacy of faith, generosity, and support for generations to come.”

The Campanario Banquet is named after church bells that serve as beacons of faith and hope—a call for prayer and worship or an expression of joy or remembrance.