When I heard that Father Solís had returned to Spain for good, I felt sad and found it hard to believe. Now he has left this world, I am devastated. I never had the chance nor the courage to tell him how much I loved and admired him. I am very grateful to him for sending me to Seville for the novitiate, and to Rome to study for the priesthood. He gave me his blessings when I requested to join the Diocese of Hong Kong. He helped me to write the letter to Pope Francis regarding incardination into the diocese, completed the paperwork and blessed me.
Father Solís was one of those larger-than-life figures that we only read about in books or see in films. A first-class administrator and a dedicated priest, he was elected as the provincial superior of the Rosary Province for four terms—which I felt was not fair to him and detrimental to his health. Marvellously talented and gifted with relating to people, he was admired by many in Asia as well as in Europe. I used to think that if he had not been a priest, he would have been president or CEO of a multi-national corporation. And if he had married, he would have been a fantastic father to his children. He gave his whole heart in all his duties and in religious life—total dedication and without any consideration for his own comfort or convenience.
Father Solís loved the [Dominican] Order and the Church deeply, and that could be exhausting. Convinced of the mssion, he pushed himself to the limits, at great cost to his physical well-being. On the outside, he appeared to be tough and aloof, but we all know that deep inside he was gentle soul; a lovely person. He was always there for his brothers.
As provincial, he had to travel a lot, which I think he loved. However, he always took the cheapest route at great inconvenience to himself. While in transit or waiting for the next flight, he would do correspondence, proofread or edit the papers and theses of student-brothers. When you emailed him, he would reply promptly, whether he was in Asia, Europe or Latin America. At a Provincial Chapter in Avila, on our day off, Father Solís would borrow his sister’s car to visit the parents of friars working abroad.
I never saw him take a holiday—he was happiest when he was at work. He ate and drank sparingly and was always present for prayers and spiritual exercises. When he stepped down as provincial, he took over the task as novice master with great fidelity. I thought it would be tough on him, without the perks of high position and the freedom of mobility! But no, he did very well—he lived out his vows in an exemplary fashion.
Hardly mentioned is Fr. Solís’ skill in solving canonical issues regarding the many religious who, for one reason or another, were living in irregular situations. He once said, a good religious does not need a superior. He showed it to us.
Highly intelligent, Father Solís picked up the responsibilities as the province syndic [bursar] and other duties very quickly—even at the age of 70 or more. He was trained at the Alphonsianum in Rome, graduating with a doctorate in moral theology, but he could teach almost anything. A man of that calibre would be successful in any profession, whether in the Church or in civil life.
Father Solís had a soft spot for the Chinese and was very focused on promoting vocations in China. He once told the Dominicans in Australia that if he was to start all over again, he would learn Chinese. He had great love and sincere respect for the Chinese people.
Father Solís is in heaven praying for us, that I am convinced. But the pain of his absence will always be felt by us. The world is a much poorer place without him.
He once said that when the time comes, he would like to go quickly. Our merciful God has granted his faithful servant, Father Solís, his wish.
May his soul rest in peace.
Father Ambrose Mong
