BY IVY TEJANO
DAVAO CITY – Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno said the death of Archbishop Fernando Capalla is heartbreaking for the people of Davao whom he served as prelate for most of his life.
Magno said he is one with the people of Davao in mourning the death of a selfless and most loved man of God. He added that everyone in public service hopes to emulate Capalla’s outstanding service to the people.
MASSES have been scheduled during the wake of Archbishop Fernando Capalla. (FB)
“Thank you, Archbishop ‘Nanding,’ for your love and dedication not just to the people of Davao but to all whose lives you touched throughout your life. Rest in peace. May you continue to be a shining beacon to all who choose to serve in the name of God and the republic,” Magno said.
Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo, the clergy, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo also condoled with the family of Capalla who was ordained clergy of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
Lazo said Capalla was a native of Leon, Iloilo and received his education from the Colegio de San Agustin, now the University of San Agustin, and Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary.
Capalla was ordained priest at Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral on March 18, 1961. He became rector of the Saint Joseph Junior Seminary, now Saint Joseph Regional Seminary, and was a formator of numerous bishops and priests from the archdiocese.
He was ordained and appointed as auxiliary bishop of Davao on April 2, 1972, and became prelate of the Diocese of Iligan in 1977, apostolic administrator of the Prelature of Marawi in 1987, and appointed archbishop of Davao in 2012.
The former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines from 2003 to 2005 passed away at 89 on Saturday morning, January 6. Capalla is a prominent figure in Mindanao. He gained recognition as a significant religious leader.
Netizens also mourned the demise of Capalla.
“Rest well, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla. An advocate of peace in Mindanao and CBCP president. A staunch supporter of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,” netizen Lyndon Origenes Macarayan said in his Facebook post.
“You have been God’s instrument for me so that I could participate in the priesthood of Jesus! I thank God for you, Abp. Nanding! Thank you very much for being my spiritual father since 2005! May you rest happily with all the angels and saints,” said Fr. Russell Bantiles, a former editor-in-chief of the Davao Catholic Herald, in a Facebook post.
“Your weekly presence always brought the youth together just to see you, and you always taught us how to stay close to Jesus through Mama Mary and Saint Ana. Pray for us in heaven, bishop. May you rest in the Father's loving arms,” netizen Francis Tupad said in his Facebook post.
Capalla will be laid to rest on Monday, January 15, during a funeral Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral. Interment follows at the Dormitium de San Pedro, the Archdiocese of Davao announced.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday visited the wake and mourned the passing away of Capalla.
