ALTHOUGH preoccupied with their participation in the Synod on Synodality, Filipino bishops found time to offer prayers for their late colleague, Tarlac Bishop Enrique Macaraeg, at the Vatican.
In a report by CBCP News, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Vice President Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara presided over a Mass for the repose of the soul of Macaraeg, who died last October 23 from cardiac arrest.
“His sudden death was a shock to us here in Rome,” Vergara told the official news agency of the CBCP.
The Mass took place last October 24 at a chapel inside the Monastery of St. Benedict in Subiaco, a town approximately 60 kilometers away from Rome.
Attending the Mass, among others, were CBCP President Bishop Pablo David, and Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
The Filipino prelates are currently in the Vatican to attend the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Last October 23, Macaraeg died due to cardiac arrest reportedly while playing basketball in his hometown of Malasaqui, Pangasinan.
According to the Diocese of Tarlac, his remains are set to be brought to the St. Ildephonse Parish in Malasiqui, Pangasinan and will be there from October 27 to 29.
On October 30, Macaraeg will be brought back to the St. Sebastian Cathedral in Tarlac.
Macaraeg’s interment is set on October 31 after a 9 a.m. Mass.