Bro. Antonio Riera Moreno was born on February 4, 1941, in Palma. He was the son of Late Mr. Bartolomé Riera Estarelles and Late Mrs. María Moreno Serra. He was baptized in Palma on February 8, 1941, and confirmed on March 3 of the same year.
He received the Franciscan habit on August 7, 1960, at La Porciúncula, and after completing his year of novitiate at the Shrine of Our Lady of Cura, he made his temporary profession on August 13, 1961, and his solemn profession on January 21, 1967, in Palma.
On February 12, 1965, he discontinued his studies and began working as an assistant in the Secretariat of the College of Saint Francis in Palma. Among his many activities, special mention should be made of his dedication to the formation and maintenance of a children’s choir, Els Nins Cantors, which for nearly forty years took part in the liturgical celebrations of the Basilica and in performances that were always warmly received, earning widespread recognition. He studied solfège for three years and piano for one year at the Conservatorio de Palma.
In 2017, he had to undergo surgery and, during his convalescence, resided in the Provincial Infirmary at La Porciúncula. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and, in this last year, with cancer of the esophagus. He faced each of these illnesses with great courage and fortitude. Aware of his condition, he received the Anointing of the Sick from the hands of the Provincial Minister on Saturday, January 10, 2026. On Saturday the 17th, on the feast of Saint Anthony Abbot, he was visited by Sister Death, at the age 84 years and after 64 years of religious profession. His fraternity, the infirmary staff, and his family accompanied him at all times and attended to his needs.
The funeral took place on Thursday, January 22, at the Basilica of the Sacred Stigmata of Saint Francis in Palma, presided over by the Provincial Minister. His ashes were then placed in the columbarium of the basilica.