Rt. Rev. Martin R. Lugo, O.S.B.

Ninth Abbot of St. Gregory’s Abbey
Jan. 24, 1935 – July 13, 2026


Father Martin (Richard) Lugo, O.S.B., monk of Saint Gregory’s Abbey, died on Monday, July 13, 2026. He was 91 years old, had completed 69 years of monastic vows and 64 years of priestly ministry.

Father Martin was born on Jan. 24, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, to Antonio and Alicia (Sanabia) Lugo. He was raised in East Los Angeles at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, staffed by monks of Saint Gregory’s Abbey in Shawnee. He came as a senior to Saint Gregory’s High School in Shawnee, graduating in 1954. He entered the novitiate at Saint Gregory’s Abbey in 1955 and professed vows as a monk on Aug. 15, 1956. He later completed an Associate of Arts degree at Saint Gregory’s College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy at Saint Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas. He pursued theological studies at Saint Gregory’s Abbey and was ordained to the priesthood on May 1, 1962. 

Father Martin was beloved and effective in his various assignments to pastoral ministry. He served as associate pastor and pastor both at his home parish of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in East Los Angeles and at Saint Benedict Catholic Church in Montebello, California. He served as chaplain at Saint Gregory’s College from 1971 to 1973. Described as outspoken but patient, as a sentimentalist and realist, Father Martin engaged in activities to promote social justice and advocacy for marginalized peoples in southern California. He was an active member of the Los Angeles United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), a confederation of Catholic and Protestant congregations, serving as chairman of its health committee. In 1980 he was elected as president of the Eastside Priests Association of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Father Martin held several positions of leadership at Saint Gregory’s Abbey, including as prior, novice master and several terms on the Abbey Senior Council. He was appointed prior administrator of Saint Gregory’s Abbey on Jan. 4, 1995, and elected as the ninth abbot of Saint Gregory’s Abbey on Feb. 5, 1997. He remained in the role until Jan. 3, 2006. After retiring as abbot, he remained active at the monastery, often accepting assignments to weekend parish supply ministry, providing spiritual direction for many and serving as an on-call confessor at the monastery. He provided faithful witness to his confreres, giving encouragement with wisdom and humor.

Father Martin died peacefully on July 13, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents, stepfather Abundio Muños, his brother Antonio and sister-in-law Celia Barajas-Lugo. He is survived by the monks of Saint Gregory’s Abbey, nephews Richard and Raymond Lugo and nieces Linda Cardona and Angelica Rice.

Visitation is available at Saint Gregory’s Abbey from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15; from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16; and from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17. Vigil for the deceased will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 in the Abbey Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17 in the Abbey Church, with interment following in the Abbey Cemetery. Services are open to the public. Both the Mass and Vigil will be livestreamed on Saint Gregory’s Abbey Facebook page and website. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Father Martin can be made to The Saint Gregory’s Abbey Benefit Trust, 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee, OK 74804, or online at monksok.org.