Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD, Manila Bulletin and Tempo columnist for many decades, who believed in the power of media to reach people beyond the walls of the church, devoted many years of his life to serving the media ministry.
Fr. Bel was the founder of the Mission Communication Foundation Inc., which helped promote the SVD’s missionary work, spiritual outreach, and evangelization efforts. Through the years, his work reflected a consistent commitment to using communication as a form of public service, especially to audiences who encountered faith through radio, television, and print.
He used his talent for writing to reach many people, writing the weekly “Word Alive” column in the Manila Bulletin and Tempo. In his writings, Fr. Bel did not forget one of his favorite advocacies – education for seminarians. At the end of each column, he would remind readers of the need to support seminarians because from these groups will come future priests, bishops and the Pope.
Writing in an entertaining style with a sprinkle of humor, Fr. Bel would preach the lessons of the Sunday gospel, leading readers to relate Biblical situations to their own lives.
Word Alive, his regular column, won Best Opinion Column at the 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Perhaps what he is most known for is the radio program on Holy Week – The Seven Last Words. Without fail, and despite his busy schedule, Fr. Bel would invite guests and sponsors to support the program through his weekly columns.
He contributed much to the Society of the Divine Word’s missionary work through the Mission Communication Foundation Inc., which helped promote its spiritual outreach, and evangelization efforts. Through the years, his work reflected a consistent commitment to using communication as a form of public service, especially to audiences who encountered faith through radio, television, and print.
Beyond print media, Fr. Bel established the Family Mass television apostolate and produced the annual “Seven Last Words” program. He also hosted the television show Salitang Buhay, which extended his pastoral presence to viewers across the country.
Colleagues and readers remember Fr. Bel for his steady voice and gentle approach. Rather than offering grand declarations, he preferred explanation and conversation, inviting readers and viewers to reflect with him.
Fr. Bel, who was born on Nov. 19, 1944 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, passed away on Jan. 28, 2026. He was 81. (With a report from Jay Ferson Comitan)
