Rev. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC, and Rev. Fr. Jose Antonio Paez. (File photos courtesy of DXMS-Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – The faithful in the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Cotabato and the Diocese of Marbel in Koronadal City mourned the passing of two diocesan priests due to illnesses on Saturday and Sunday.
“The Archdiocese of Cotabato announced with great sadness and a heavy heart the demise of our priest, Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo,” his colleague Fr. Charlie Celeste of the Diocesan Clergy of Cotabato (DCC) announced on Facebook Tuesday.
In Koronadal City, the members of the Diocese of Marbel also mourned the passing of Fr. Jose Antonio “Joan” Paez of the Diocesan Clergy of Marbel on Saturday due to lingering illness.
Monsignor Pueyo, 78, of the DCC, breathed his last at the Notre Dame Hospital in Cotabato City at 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 4.
Pueyo served most of his life as a religious in various ministries of the Cotabato archdiocese, performing as parish priest of Nuestra Sra. Dela Candelaria, Tacurong City, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, and Queen of Peace Parish in Cotabato City.
Pueyo, known as Fr. Tony, also served as the Notre Dame Archdiocesan Seminary rector, archdiocesan finance officer, and vicar general.
He wrote a column on Sunday Bible readings in the Church-run Catholic newspaper, The Mindanao Cross. He also hosted a weekly radio show, “Simbahang Naglalakbay,” on Fridays over DXMS-Cotabato.
In Koronadal City, Marbel Bishop Allan Cerilo Casicas said Fr. Paez served in the diocese for over 50 years, some 30 years as rector in Koronadal City.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Fr. Paez. His legacy of faith and compassion will live on. Together, we continue to pray for your eternal peace,” a statement from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary said.
South Cotabato Rep. Peter Miguel also thanked Fr. Paez for his services to the Koronadal community of faithful.
“Farewell, Father Paez. You'll always be remembered. Thank you for your patience, perseverance, and humility in serving our community,” Miguel said.
Paez’s ministry included spiritual director of the diocese, chaplain, and retreat facilitator.
Aside from his religious obligations, Paez also served as spiritual director for prisoners, seminarians, and church workers. (PNA)
