Luis Sergio Vielma

Tributes~Luis Sergio Vielma

Luis Sergio Vielma
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Date of Birth: 
October 15 1993
Date of Death: 
June 12 2016

All Souls Catholic Church parishioner, Luis Sergio Vielma died on June 12, 2016 at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando.

Luis was born in Altamonte Springs, Florida on October 15, 1993. He lived with his family in Winter Springs until he was about 13. He attended Winter Springs schools through the 8th grade. When it was time to start high school, Luis and his family moved to Sanford, Florida where he attended Seminole High School. Luis was an excellent student and graduated with honors in the class of 2011. After high school, he attended Seminole State College from 2012 to 2014 and graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree. He worked for two years and just recently enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician program at Seminole State College.

Family was very important to Luis and had many responsibilities. He participated in helping his parents run their businesses and was always available as the translator, when they needed assistance with their English. He was a mentor to his brother Brian, and sister Kimberly. Luis was a leader in his family and his family was the center of his life.

It was during his high school years that Luis became involved in All Souls Catholic Church. He attended Religious Education and prepared for and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on March 29, 2009. This event in a young Catholic’s life is an opportunity for their own personal acceptance of their beliefs and the choice to practice their faith. He became part of the youth ministry, Disciples Always Witnessing God (DAWG).

It was through his Confirmation and mentoring that Luis found his path to service of others. This event in a young Catholic’s life is where the spirit of wisdom, courage, right judgment and reverence of gifts of the Holy Spirit that strengthens their life. These gifts blossomed through his fellowship in the youth ministry Disciples Always Witnessing God (DAWG). It was here that Luis recognized that we are all one in community and his service for others was selfless. Luis walked in his faith for the love he showed his family, the compassion that he out poured to strangers and gifts of love that he had for life and faith.

This is where Luis began to blossom as a young man -- this is where he learned how important his community, his friends and his faith were to him. This brought him great joy. Even if Luis was busy, he would reply "Yes," and smile from ear to ear if someone from the youth group asked for help. Luis participated in evening events of fellowship with the members of the youth group and participated in retreats to increase his knowledge and understanding of his faith. In the summer, he would participate in week-long camps volunteering in service to the local communities. This was one of his favorite events.

One specific weekend retreat event, they were going camping. As they gathered and prepared for this event, Luis noticed an individual that was in the cold without shelter or even a warm blanket. Luis could not go further without offering this individual his blanket. He knew he would be cold over the weekend, but he also knew that this individual would be warmer. This is an example of Luis’ life of giving.

One of his exciting roles was portraying Jesus in the first presentation of the Passion of Christ at All Souls Catholic Church presented by the DAWG Youth Ministry. He felt so honored to be able to play the part of Jesus. He even passed up soccer to participate in this event. Luis loved to play basketball and soccer and was a member of Deltona Adult Soccer League. He also loved video games.

Luis worked with the City of Longwood where he was a member of the events crew setting up and tearing down before and after their events. Then he got hired on with Universal Studios and worked with the Disaster Ride. Then Luis' dream came true -- he was hired to work at the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Luis loved Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter and science fiction. He loved being able to go and be part of that every day he worked. There was no greater experience for him at this time.

Luis’s life was ended too early at only 22 years of age in a senseless tragedy on June 12, 2016. His spirit and memories will live on with each of us. He touched so many people in his short life.

The visitation for Luis was held at All Souls Catholic Church in Sanford, Florida on Friday, June 17, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hundreds, including Florida Governor Rick Scott, attended to pay their respects and offer condolences to Luis' family. The funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Ken Metz at the church at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 18. Bishop John Noonan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando and Father Edward McCarthy of All Souls were also present.

Many beautiful floral arrangements were delivered to the church for the Visitation and Funeral, including a wreath of vibrant red flowers sent by author J. K. Rowling. Luis' friends and coworkers at Universal Studios created this video tribute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC06hwLPRHc

Place of Birth: 
Altamonte Springs, Florida, United States
Place of Death: 
Orlando, Florida, United States
Primary State of Residence: 
Sanford, Florida, United States

Comments (3)

Luis, you are an inspiration to all who knew you and all those who are learning about you. You are a blessing to all those who were touched by your kindness, generosity, love, and your expression of your faith in God. Rest in peace, Luis. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

The below announcement and tribute was posted on the All Souls Catholic Church Facebook account on Monday, June 13, 2016:
"It is with a heavy heart that we tell you of the loss of one of our very own DAWG (Disciples Always Witnessing God) adult members, Mr. Luis S. Vielma. Luis, just 22 years old, was a victim of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Last evening, over 100 of our current and former DAWG members, families and friends attended an impromptu prayer service for Luis lead by Father Ed McCarthy and Mrs. Michelle Murphy, Youth Minister of All Soul. The service gave our teens an opportunity to pray together, comfort one another, to share their memories of Luis, their happy times together, and to express their grief and even their fears. The All Souls DAWGs have been so very blessed in knowing Luis and witnessing his loving kindness to everyone. Our prayer is that they, having been comforted in coming together, will always remember Luis shared their love of Christ and is now home in the loving arms of Jesus."

J.K. Rowling, author of the "Harry Potter" series, tweeted about Vielma on Monday, saying she "can't stop crying," and sending condolences to his friends and family. "J.K. Rowling ✔ @jk_rowling. Luis Vielma worked on the Harry Potter ride at Universal. He was 22 years old. I can't stop crying. #Orlando. 1:16 AM - 13 Jun 2016" Some friends and co-workers responded to Rowling, saying that he loved working at the "Harry Potter" ride. They also created a touching tribute video for Vielma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC06hwLPRHc

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