Four years have now passed since the untimely death of Andre Sandoval, yet his life and legacy continue to shine. At his memorial Mass, I reminded everyone that we were not gathered simply in sorrow, but in gratitude—gratitude for a life short in years, but rich in faith, love, and service.
Not long after his passing, someone asked me about Andre. My first thought was, “It was a short-lived life with a long list…” But I quickly realized it was more than that. Andre’s life was not a checklist—it was a litany of accomplishments. A litany, because it was a prayer of action, a rhythm of service, a song of love offered to God and to others.
Scripture speaks to us in our grief: “The Lord will destroy death forever; he will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). Even in sorrow, we cling to this promise. And like Psalm 23 reminds us, even when we walk through the darkest valley, the Shepherd walks with us. For Andre, this was not just poetry—it was the way he lived.
Think of his joy, his laughter, his love for sports and for his dog Lola—but most of all, his heart for service. He traveled on mission trips with ACTS Youth Ministry, giving of himself in New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago, and even the Dominican Republic. And I’ll never forget the youth work camp just before his passing. Andre promised he’d help for “one day.” That one day became two, then five, then the entire week—despite working early morning shifts at Dayton Freight. He could have gone home to rest, but instead he built porches, painted homes, and lifted others up. The porch he built still stands—a living testimony of his servant-leadership.
In the Gospel, Jesus says to the young man who had died: “Young man, I tell you, arise!” (Luke 7:14). We ache for that miracle, yet we believe in faith that Jesus has spoken those same words to Andre. He now lives with the Lord, his Good Shepherd, in verdant pastures. But Andre also “rises” in us—his light shines whenever we choose service over selfishness, compassion over indifference, love over hate.
That is why the call to Live Like Andre still matters. It is not a slogan, but a challenge. Four years later, we must ask ourselves: How have I lived like Andre? What choices have I made to serve, to love, to give?
We don’t just commemorate his death—we celebrate his life, his accomplishments, and the legacy still unfolding through us. May his memory inspire us. May his example challenge us. And may his legacy live on in us.
Live Like Andre—today, tomorrow, and always.
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