Remembering Daniel Perez Cueva

Fr. Hoyos officiated Monday night at the memorial Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Lake Ridge, VA for Daniel Perez Cueva, a 21-year old Peruvian student who was killed in the massacre at Virginia Tech last week. More than 200 people gathered to remember him and comfort his family.

"We are here because our prayers unite us and because we need each other in this time," the Rev. José E. Hoyos, director of the Spanish Apostolate for the Diocese of Arlington, said during the Mass.

At the Mass, which was offered in both Spanish and English, Hoyos spoke of Daniel's dreams to be a diplomat and to help bring an end to violence. "Daniel's dreams and hopes have not died with him," Hoyos said. "His soul, his thoughts, his joy and happiness will remain on live on earth."

Father Hoyos offered the family his prayers and those of all the priests in the diocese. "It's my duty to be there in good moments and bad moments and this is touching each one of us in the Spanish community," Father Hoyos said. "This is the time the Catholic Church has to show them compassion and love."

Memorial funds

According to Potomac News, two memorial funds have been set up in honor of Daniel Perez Cueva.

The first was set up by C.D. Hylton High School, where he graduated in 2004. Checks can be made payable to the Daniel Perez Cueva Memorial Fund and sent to the school at 14051 Spriggs Road in Woodbridge. Donations will also be accepted at Apple Federal Credit Union, which has branches in the school and at 8745 Mathis Ave. in Manassas and 14229 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge.

A second memorial fund was established by Linda DeSantis. Perez Cueva's mother, Betty Cueva, worked as a housekeeper for DeSantis for a year, she said.

DeSantis will serve as the trustee for the fund, which will help Cueva with expenses, she said.

Donations for that fund will be accepted at any Bank of America. To donate, ask for the Daniel Perez Cueva Fund.